Solutions Architect (C-UAS) in Basildon

Due to continued growth, Leonardo has an exciting opportunity for a Solutions Architect to join our Mission Systems C-UAS Team. We provide world leading solutions to an increasing worldwide threat and our teams work alongside international government agencies, helping to ensure National Security. This is a great opportunity to enhance the leadership and strategic direction of work within the Counter‑Uncrewed Aerial Systems domain. The Solution Architect activities will refine existing implementations but more importantly support and define the strategic direction and architectures in order to fulfil future challenges in the C‑UAS solution space. Hybrid working from our dedicated site in Basildon (we could consider working out of our main sites in the South, but frequent travel to Basildon would be required).

Responsibilities

• Maintaining high awareness of all relevant developments around C‑UAS, the associated technologies and frameworks.
• Proposing and evaluating alternative technical and commercial approaches to delivering prime contract capability and systems to the customer.
• Maximising the value of the Leonardo workshare.
• Generation of white papers to shape thinking within the stakeholder community.
• Developing the solution architecture for optimum cost effectiveness and URD compliance.
• Developing a combination of systems and software solutions.
• Working with Systems Architects and Systems Engineering, develop candidate system architectures and derive requirements at all system levels.
• Supporting the Bid Team with cost estimation of solutions.
• Perform cost benefit analysis of system component development versus COTS procurement.
• Contribute to the development of Enterprise Architectures for Major campaigns and programmes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role, with high awareness of relevant developments around associated technologies and frameworks.
• Highly experienced in proposing and evaluating technical and commercial approaches to delivering prime contract capability and systems to defence customers.
• Experience of developing Sensor/Effector systems including C2/GUI aspects.
• Good understanding of Open and Common Standards/Frameworks relevant to the solution space (eg SAPIENT, Land Data Model, GVA etc).
• Ability to develop white papers to shape and steer thinking within the stakeholder community.
• Ability to lead cost/benefit analysis to inform make/buy decisions for System Solutions.
• Experience working within the defence industry is essential.
• Experience using tools such as DOORS, Cameo, The Mathworks is desirable.
• Significant experience developing sensor and effector products/systems, including C2/GUI aspects, and specifically the integration of technologies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience working with customers/end‑users at a senior commercial and technical level – essential.
• Estimating costs and technical risk for each solution approach.
• Experience of full life cycle for product and system development – concept through to disposal.
• Familiarity with open systems architectures/frameworks such as SAPIENT, LDM.
• Experience of formal user requirements capture, traceability and compliance management methodology and tools.
• Good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be UK nationals. 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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Benefits

• Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Benefit from an award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• 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).
• Eligible for a bonus scheme at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Financial reward through a referral programme.
• Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
• For part‑time opportunities, application to discuss possible arrangement is welcomed.

Location & Working

Primary Location: GB – Basildon
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid; International, multicultural, innovative, technological focus.