Engineering Lab Manager

Engineering Lab Manager

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Leonardo UK Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative antenna testing and manage lab operations for military communications projects.
  • Company: Join a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security with a diverse and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses for continuous learning.
  • Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in lab management and understanding of electronics and RF test equipment required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Job Description

Your

Impact: Are you interested in being part of a team delivering excellent innovative Antenna solutions?

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Engineering Laboratory Manager to join our Bristol Site Antennas team.

You will be joining a welcoming and inclusive team of engineers, as part of the Antenna Core Delivery Team (CDT) working on a range of projects supporting the development and delivery of military communications equipment for a broad spectrum of applications and environments.

This role gives the opportunity to lead the Bristol RF testing capability and requires hands on involvement in the planning and delivery of specialist testing activities in the support of electronics and antenna product development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Working with project teams to agree test plans and strategies.
  • Planning and scheduling testing activities to ensure project requirements are satisfied.
  • Setting up test equipment (e. g. power supplies, spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes, network analysers) and following test plans to take measurements with this equipment.
  • General lab management tasks including creating and maintaining the lab risk assessments, checking ESD equipment, performing monthly lab inspections.
  • Overseeing the operation and organising the maintenance of the on-site screened room and near field chambers.
  • Managing the test equipment calibration and records.
  • Keeping records of the local engineering assets under test.
  • Responsible for performing lab inductions.
  • Integrate basic continuous improvement concepts and techniques for both process and equipment.
  • What you’ll bring

Required

  • Experience of managing a lab used for developing and testing electronics products.
  • An understanding of general electronics and RF based test equipment and how to use it to take measurements.
  • An understanding of Electronics design
  • An understanding of antenna basics
  • Knowledge of risk assessment procedures.
  • An understanding of safe ways of working with ESD.
  • Team player with proven communication skills across engineering functions (RF, Microwave, Electronics and Mechanical).
  • Systematic approach to work, with appropriate documentation of test results and related documentation.
  • UK Driving License.

Desirable

  • Experience of developing tools to automate measurements (e. g. Labview or scripted)
  • Knowledge of programming in C derivatives, Python, Matlab
  • Prototyping of mechanical and electronic hardware
  • Experience working with screened rooms/near field chambers
  • IOSH “Managing Safely” trained or a similar level of qualification.
  • An understanding of working with classified material.

Inherent Factors

  • Willingness to travel (e. g. to our Yeovil test site when required).
  • Due to the nature of the role, this role would require on site attendance for the majority of the time.
  • 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).

For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers. uk. leonardo. com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

  • 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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).

  • 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 Linked In 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.

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.

Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo offers an additional allowances for some roles – for more information please contact ukcareers@leonardo. com For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.

Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK.

Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.

We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers.

If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane Contract Type: Permanent Hybrid Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo.

The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know‑how across the generations.

Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!

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Engineering Lab Manager employer: Leonardo UK Ltd

Leonardo UK Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Basildon where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from generous leave, flexible benefits, and opportunities to advance your career while working on cutting-edge defence technologies that make a real impact globally.

Leonardo UK Ltd

Contact Details:

Leonardo UK Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Engineering Lab Manager

Join Engineering Meetups!

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Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Leonardo UK Ltd.

Apply Through Company Websites

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We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Lab Manager

Lab Management
RF Testing
Electronics Measurement
Antenna Basics
Risk Assessment Procedures
ESD Safety Practices
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Lab Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Leonardo UK Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Leonardo UK Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Leonardo UK Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Leonardo UK Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.