At a Glance
- Tasks: Solve complex problems and design innovative solutions for defence technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in cutting-edge defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of air combat and electronic warfare.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and collaboration with specialists.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 81000 £ per year.
Do you love solving complex problems? Thrive in a collaborative environment? Want to make an impact with cutting-edge technology? Join us as a Lead Systems Engineer and work on real-world challenges, designing solutions that power the future of defence technology.
If you have applied engineering experience and a systems-thinking mindset, we want to hear from you! Whether you’re an expert in a specific area or have broad knowledge across the systems engineering lifecycle, your skills matter.
Your Impact
- Protecting RAF aircraft like Typhoon and Apache
- Advancing next-gen air combat with Team Tempest and GCAP
- Developing future electronic warfare systems
- Harnessing AI/ML to unlock intelligence from vast data
What you'll bring
- Systems Engineering (e.g. problem definition, architecture, MBSE, integration, verification & validation)
- Domain Expertise (e.g. digital signal processing, RF systems, AI/ML, multi-sensor fusion, electronic warfare)
- Collaboration with specialists in safety, security, and reliability to deliver robust solutions
What you’ll do
- Defining and developing system requirements
- Leading concept studies and system trade-offs
- Prototyping new technologies
- Solving integration challenges and testing solutions
- Working with industry partners and sharing knowledge
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), along with an additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV), including meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). Applicants must have five years UK Residency and hold a UK Passport.
Salary Range
Lead Engineer 67,000 to 81,000
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to 500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
Additional Locations: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Job Summary
Job number: R0030476
Date posted: 2026-06-17
Profession: Engineering
Employment type: Full time
Lead Systems Engineer in Luton employer: Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS is an excellent employer for students seeking practical experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. Located in Bedford, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and skill development, making it an ideal place for young individuals to kickstart their careers in inventory management and logistics. With hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, students can gain valuable insights while contributing to meaningful projects over their temporary tenure.
