At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of next-gen defence avionics and ensure system-level coherence.
- Company: Join Leonardo UK, a leader in advanced engineering and defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a strong pension scheme, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for continuous learning available.
- Why this job: Step into a pivotal role influencing national defence and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in complex systems engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 92000 £ per year.
Salary £67,000 to £92,000. 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.
Your Impact
Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Multi-function RF System (MRFS) programme represents one of the most significant next‑generation defence avionics developments in Europe. This is a rare career‑defining opportunity to step into a pivotal national technical leadership role, reporting to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and International System Design Authority (SDA), at the heart of a world‑class engineering organisation with decades of airborne radar expertise.
As the National Chief Engineer and Design Authority, you will provide overall technical leadership across the GCAP Multi-function RF System, within Leonardo Electronics UK. You will be accountable for system-level coherence, architecture integrity, and long-term technical strategy within a highly complex multi‑national programme. Your decisions will directly influence future capability, export potential, and the UK’s position within GCAP.
The National Chief Engineer and Design Authority is a critical role within the Chief Engineering team, supporting international decision making while representing and safeguarding UK Freedom of Action and Freedom of Modification. The appropriate candidate may be asked to deputise for the International SDA when necessary. This is more than an appointment — it is a strategic leadership position with significant influence across industry and government stakeholders.
You will also be responsible for:
- Accountable to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and international SDA, you will act as the UK National Design Authority for GCAP Multi-function RF System.
- Lead the critical low observability technology development programme.
- Ensure that the jointly developed solution satisfies UK National objectives and aspirations.
- Lead system and hardware architecture, ensuring alignment across radar, multifunction capability, and wider platform integration.
- Drive systems engineering activities including requirements management, functional decomposition, interface definition, and verification strategy.
- Lead concept generation, solution development, and trade studies across the system lifecycle.
- Provide technical governance and approval of key engineering artefacts, including compliance matrices and qualification evidence.
- Engage with national and international stakeholders across government, industry partners, and customers.
- Ensure integration across subsystem domains including RF, digital processing, software, and electro‑mechanical systems.
- Support safety, security, and airworthiness activities.
- Lead technical reviews and ensure robust decision‑making at system level.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in complex systems engineering, ideally within radar, sensing, or advanced electronic systems.
- Proven track record in system architecture leadership and design authority roles.
- Strong background in concept development and advanced system design.
- Ability to operate at programme and national stakeholder level.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
- Eligibility for UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance (mandatory).
- Experience within multinational defence programmes and familiarity with tools such as DOORS/Teamcenter (desirable).
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).
Why join us
- 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.
- 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.
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Chief Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead within a world-class engineering organisation at the forefront of defence avionics. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and extensive professional development resources, including access to over 4,000 online courses, we foster a culture of continuous learning and inclusivity. Our commitment to flexible working arrangements and a robust pension scheme further enhances the appeal of joining our Edinburgh team, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Leonardo UK Ltd for a Chief Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Leonardo UK Ltd, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Leonardo UK Ltd, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Leonardo UK Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Leonardo UK Ltd. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Leonardo UK Ltd love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
