At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical delivery of complex communications systems and solve real engineering challenges.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in the Defence Industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in defence while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Systems Engineering and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the international Defence Industry and making impactful change? We are recruiting for a Lead Systems Engineer to drive LEUK technical delivery of a complex, in‑service Communications Systems, working on real engineering problems and shaping solutions that sit at the heart of our operational capability. This vacancy will be based at our Basildon site.
Your Impact
As the Lead Systems Engineer, you will act as the project team's Design Authority for the system, providing leadership across Systems Engineering activities and acting as the primary technical interface with stakeholders. You will support the definition, refinement and delivery of technical solutions, ensuring the system continues to meet operational needs throughout its lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Ensure customer requirements are fully understood, refined, decomposed and traced into system solutions.
- Define, maintain and control the system architecture.
- Provide robust technical proposals and design decisions aligned with customer expectations.
- Manage integration across software, RF and hardware elements.
- Oversee verification and validation activities to demonstrate compliance with operational needs.
Day-to-Day Duties
- Act as IPT’s Design Authority for the HF communications system, owning key technical decisions.
- Serve as the technical point of contact for the customer, leading and contributing to frequent technical meetings and reviews.
- Lead LEUK’s effort in elicitation, definition, refinement and decomposition of customer requirements.
- Define, refine and maintain system architectures and interface definitions.
- Provide technical input into bids, proposals and change activities.
- Collaborate with software, RF, hardware and test teams to ensure end‑to‑end system coherence.
- Undertake hands‑on technical activity, including configuring reference systems for test and demonstration.
- Support and deliver verification, validation and acceptance activities across the lifecycle.
- Ensure through‑life considerations such as safety, security, supportability and obsolescence are addressed.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Lead Systems Engineer or equivalent role.
- Strong experience applying Systems Engineering across the full lifecycle.
- Experience acting as a technical authority or owning system architectures.
- Experience in eliciting, refining and decomposing customer requirements.
- Experience defining and evaluating technical solutions and proposals.
- Working understanding of software development and its integration within complex systems.
- Experience working closely with internal and external stakeholders, including customers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
- Confidence to make technical decisions in a complex, dynamic environment.
- Motivation, tenacity and a strong sense of technical ownership.
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge or experience of HF communications systems.
- Some level of RF engineering understanding.
- Experience on in‑service or operational defence systems.
- Experience with Systems Integration, Test and Demonstration activities.
- Domain experience in Telecommunications, RF, IP Networking or related areas.
- Experience on large‑scale Systems Integration programmes, managing cost, schedule and quality implications.
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, including meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
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.
Benefits
- Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
- Employer‑matched pension scheme with up to 15% contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led inclusion networks.
- Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
- Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Financial reward through the referral programme.
- Annual flexible benefits portfolio up to £500 covering private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech, lifestyle discounts and gym memberships.
- Flexible working arrangements with hybrid options.
Contract Type: Permanent
Primary Location: Basildon, GB
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Lead Systems Engineer in Basildon employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Lead Systems Engineers based in Basildon. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, which includes generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive professional development resources. With a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, we empower our engineers to tackle real-world challenges in the Defence Industry while enjoying flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence Industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Lead Systems Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those technical interviews by brushing up on your Systems Engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with customer requirements and system architectures, as these are key areas they'll want to explore.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your experience as a Design Authority and how you've successfully managed integration across various teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Description:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the Lead Systems Engineer role entails and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications listed.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering, especially any work related to communications systems or defence projects. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:As a Lead Systems Engineer, your technical expertise is crucial. Be sure to include specific examples of your experience with system architectures, customer requirements, and integration processes. This will help us see your technical ownership in action.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the recruitment journey.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Before your interview, dive deep into the technical aspects of the role. Familiarise yourself with HF communications systems and the integration of software, RF, and hardware elements. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Systems Engineer, you'll be expected to act as a Design Authority. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or made key technical decisions. Highlight how you managed stakeholder expectations and ensured project success.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in detailed technical discussions during your interview. Brush up on your knowledge of system architecture and verification processes. Be ready to explain complex concepts clearly, as effective communication is crucial in this role.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Leonardo's mission and values, especially their commitment to employee wellbeing and development. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
