At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering top-notch cyber security solutions across engineering lifecycles.
- Company: Join Leonardo UK, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of technology and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while growing your career in an innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in cyber security or related field, plus relevant professional certifications.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Your Impact
Leonardo UK is seeking a proven and experienced Principal Consultant to join the Cyber & Security Solutions Division team. This role is focused on the delivery of one of the company’s core products to an existing customer. This role will lead a team that will oversee, co-ordinate and deliver all facets of cyber and information security related to the delivery across an engineering lifecycle – from requirements all the way through to in-service support and maintenance. This is an exciting opportunity at the very beginning of a significant programme, during which you will ensure that the product and associated deliverables are as secure as reasonably practicable, and in accordance with customer’s requirements and risk appetite. You will be supported in this role as part of a larger consulting team, engineers and product domain specialists. Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. This role is based full-time at our Yeovil site.
What you'll do as a Principal Consultant
- Contribute to or lead a team to meet all aspects of the cyber and information security delivery across an engineering lifecycle.
- Interpret customer requirements into actionable security management plans, statements of work, and activities to be delivered across the lifecycle.
- Become a lead security subject matter expert for the product being delivered.
- Oversee and deliver associated statements of work and artefacts to time, cost and quality constraints.
- Identify, manage and escalate technical and delivery risks and issues.
- Manage the customer relationships for the cyber and information security workstream, both internal and external.
- Line manage and mentor consultants within your team as required.
What you'll bring
In addition to a passion for cyber and information security, ideally you need to have:
- Skills
- Ability to work independently without supervision and be able make sound decisions based on the facts available at the time.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels, both internally and with customers.
- Core consulting skills – building client relations; adaptability to changing schedules; reliability and quality of task delivery; flexibility in working hours and locations; team player.
- Managing risks and services in accordance with customer, regulatory and legislative expectations.
- Qualifications
- A degree and/or master’s degree in cyber security and/or a systems or software engineering discipline – or relevant comparable experience.
- At least two recognised professional cyber security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CASP/SecurityX and/or Chartership or comparable in a security related discipline (ChCSP).
- Knowledge and Demonstratable Experience
- In the application of Defence security standards, such as Def Stan 05-138 & Def Stan 05-139.
- Of MOD accreditation and secure by design processes (ISN2023/09), and associated policies, practices and deliverables across the lifecycle.
- In the application of standards including NIST Special Publications (e.g. SP 800-30, 37 & 53), and/or RTCA-DO-326A/B, 355A & 356A.
- That extends outside of traditional enterprise IT scenarios extending to proprietary and open-source software, firmware and electronic hardware.
- Developing, evaluating and analysing design constraints, and detailed system and security designs as they pertain to the cyber domain.
- Decomposing cyber and security requirements down to the system control level.
- Conducting cyber and information security risk assessment activities including threat modelling, vulnerability analysis and analysis of mitigations, including technical understanding.
- Scoping and managing security verification and validation activities and remedial action plans.
- Coordinating with product engineers, system architects, and developers to provide oversight and guidance in the development of robust solutions, including advising on suitable product or platform lockdown and configurations.
- Nice if you had:
- Excellent understanding of the engineering lifecycle and key gate review activities.
- Knowledge of current Crypto technologies, Key Management Systems & practical COMSEC implementations and MOD / NCSC standards.
- Knowledge or experience of ARP4754A/ARP4761 and its interrelationship with security.
- 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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- 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 part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
For more information and guidance please visit: 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. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Job Summary
Job number: R0032106
Date posted: 2026-08-10
Profession: Cyber
Employment type: Full time
Principal Security Consultant in Somerset 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Security Consultant in Somerset
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Leonardo DRS, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Leonardo DRS
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Leonardo DRS. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Security Consultant in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Leonardo DRS insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Leonardo DRS that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo DRS
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Leonardo DRS to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Leonardo DRS.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.