Project Chief Engineer in Caddington

A Project Chief Engineer / Systems Design Authority (SDA) is required to join the Praetorian engineering team within the Combat Air Line of Business with specific responsibility for the ESM-ECM equipment. The role is based out of the Luton office. Praetorian is the Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) for the Typhoon which has been in-service for around 20 years across several aircraft tranches and has an order book that will see it protecting the platform across Europe and the export nations for many more years up to its out of service date.

To support this position, the Project Chief Engineer will be the technical leader for the current production Praetorian ESM-ECM equipment and associated future development. The Project Chief Engineer will also be responsible for ensuring the governance and quality of products and any supporting services.

The Project Chief Engineer will:

• Be delegated by the business as the Design Authority & Company Technical Signatory for the required products.
• Represent the Company, supported by Subject Matter Experts, when engaging with customers and Workshare Partners to define and deliver technical solutions.
• Ensure independent product assurance through Design Reviews and ensure Company procedures are adhered to.
• Be responsible for delivered product design, compliance, safety and integrity.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplined project team in close partnership with key stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Own the technical solution for all phases of Product development by representing Leonardo with external stakeholders, and representing the Line of Business with internal stakeholders, to ensure all elements of development are considered as part of the integrated solution.
• Work closely with development teams, Workshare Partners and the supply chain to ensure that the overall solution meets the End Users need by understanding their Concept of Use and Operation.
• Ensure the products are compliant with any performance, legislative and contractual requirements, with a strategy for completing a traceable evidence set.
• Ensure robust quality, performance, cost and time trade-offs are undertaken and then to establish the technical solution coherent with the agreed budgets and timescales.
• Chair design reviews on Products, Systems and Services to ensure they are technically sound and compliant with the Company’s approach to lifecycle management.
• Provide technical direction, control, evaluation and recommendations with respect to risks and opportunities.
• Ensure a high-level strategy for requirements matched to traceable evidence is set in place and executed consistently across the products and projects.
• Lead and mentor the technical team to enable a cost-effective design programme and product solution results.
• Manage and communicate issues and opportunities to the Sector Chief Engineer.
• Define strategic capability improvements and cost initiatives.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You really must have:

• A strong background in development of complex military products.
• Experience in developing systems solutions particularly with the radar and EW domains.
• Experience of working with Requirements, Test Qualification and Acceptance strategies.
• Experience of managing the Design Standard and associated Configuration Management.
• Experience in gaining Design Certification and Customer Acceptance.
• The ability to develop technical solutions, compliant with requirements within agreed programme budgets and timescales.
• The ability to produce innovative system solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to be able to interact with SMEs and End Users of various nationalities regarding a wide range of technical and operational topics.
• A self-motivated leader and team player capable of working with minimum direction.

It would be nice if you had:

• Knowledge of use of EW equipment in the customer domain.
• Knowledge of Complex EW System Development and Certification.
• Knowledge of Hardware and Software Development.
• Degree qualified in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline (or equivalent).
• Chartered engineer / member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Substantial analytical and technical problem-solving skills.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

• Prestige: Working on innovative technology.
• Influence: You will be using your knowledge and experience to lead the technical solution across the division.
• Teamwork: You will work alongside like-minded professional engineers in a highly collaborative environment.
• Personal Development: You will be supported in your continuous professional development through training and mentoring.
• Connections: You will be joining a team of around 7,000 people at six major sites across the UK.
• Legacy: We are proud of our rich heritage, reaching back in excess of 100 years. Today we are providing the latest advances in airborne electronic systems and you can be a part of the next 100-year legacy.

Benefits Package: Flexible working hours, Modern open plan working environment, 25 Days Holiday a year + bank holidays + up to 12 additional Flexi Days, Competitive Salary, Free car parking, discounts at high street food and retail outlets, and much more.

At Leonardo Inclusion means you: Diversity? Inclusion? At Leonardo these are not a given. We take this seriously. Through the diversity of our people and in the diversity of our thinking, action and intent, we are a global, forward thinking, innovative company whose approach is that we are the right fit for every one of our people. Everyone is welcome, and we are committed to ensuring you feel included - regardless of who you are and what makes you you!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid