At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of next-gen Electronic Warfare systems for NATO.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health cover, and career development resources.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM and strong analytical skills required; experience in systems engineering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 81000 £ per year.
Lead Systems Engineer / Design Authority (DA) for the NATO JEWCS Integrated Project Team (IPT) within the CEMA and ICS Sector. Based across the south of the UK, the role supports the development of next‑generation Electronic Warfare (EW) Training System assets for Land, Sea and Air, plus IT infrastructure to enable planning, programming and review for NATO exercises. The successful candidate provides technical oversight and expertise across the full systems engineering lifecycle, coordinating with internal and supplier design teams to ensure the architecture meets Customer and business requirements.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical oversight and expertise for the overall system solution, ensuring architecture is developed and delivered to meet requirements.
- Work with SMEs to review and advise on subsystem technical solutions; lead support to the Project Chief Engineer to ensure designs are fit for purpose and compliant with customer requirements and safety standards.
- Lead the architecture team through the project lifecycle; influence requirements and enable design decisions and trade‑offs.
- Assess and manage technical risks and opportunities; support test planning and requirements verification to achieve certification and delivery.
- Collaborate with stakeholders including customers and end users; present architecture materials at design reviews internally and externally.
- Act as a technical interface between the end customer and Leonardo Engineering teams; support knowledge sharing and best practice.
- Support the guidance and development of junior Systems Engineers; contribute to engineering milestones as part of the Prime team.
- Advise sub‑system design teams through design reviews; deputise for the Project Chief Engineer when required.
- Travel within the UK and abroad to meet with customers and industry partners.
Qualifications
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM subject; strong numerical, analytical and design skills.
- Strong understanding of systems and project lifecycles for sub‑systems, baselines, and change control; systems architecture activities within the lifecycle.
- Self‑motivated with problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities in design‑complex environments.
- Experience influencing system design and integration of a major system; stakeholder management in high‑pressure environments.
- Experience passing Design Reviews and managing remedial actions with sub‑contractors and prime integration teams.
- Ideally knowledge of military EW/radar passive and active RF; strong understanding of systems integration and progressive assurance.
- Experience making design decisions by trading off functionality, performance and cost.
- Chartered engineer or member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Security and Other Details
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening per the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, possibly including The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information on security and vetting, please visit the Leonardo Careers site.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: Lead Engineer £67k – £81k. Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. Benefits include a comprehensive package supporting wellbeing, career development and work–life balance, with options such as flexible working, pension, health and private cover, and learning resources (Coursera/LinkedIn Learning). Details and eligibility are provided by the company’s benefits program.
About Leonardo
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security with over 53,000 employees. Leonardo is committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace and welcomes applicants with accessibility needs during the recruitment process.
Lead Systems Engineer (DA) in Basildon employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK's aerospace and defence sector. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and career development, team members benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health coverage, and access to continuous learning resources. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports the growth of junior engineers, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in cutting-edge technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer (DA) in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their systems engineering processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. You might face scenario-based questions, so think through how you would tackle real-world challenges in systems engineering.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer (DA) in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in systems engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to Electronic Warfare or military systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your technical oversight and stakeholder management skills.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills and qualifications, especially your understanding of systems architecture and project lifecycles. If you have any certifications, like being a Chartered Engineer, make sure to include them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially around the lifecycle and architecture. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced system design in past projects, as this will show your expertise and ability to handle complex environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Oversight Questions
Expect questions about providing technical oversight and managing risks. Think of specific examples where you've led a team through challenges or made critical design decisions. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Off Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with stakeholders, including customers and end users. Share examples of how you've presented architecture materials at design reviews and how you’ve managed expectations in high-pressure situations.
✨Highlight Your Mentorship Experience
If you've guided junior engineers or contributed to their development, make sure to mention it. This shows that you're not just a technical expert but also someone who values knowledge sharing and team growth, which is crucial for the role.
