At a Glance
- Tasks: Design high-speed digital PCBs and support the full hardware lifecycle.
- Company: Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Must be eligible for UK security clearance; hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Join a skilled team on an exciting radar sensor project with opportunities for growth and development.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related field; experience in hardware design and integration required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
At Leonardo, we’re bringing together some of the brightest engineering minds to develop the GCAP radar, and we’re looking for experienced Principal High‑Speed Digital Electronics Engineers to join us in Edinburgh or Newcastle.
This is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to step into a growing programme at a pivotal moment. You’ll be embedded within a multi‑disciplinary delivery team, taking concepts from early requirements right through to final delivery. Every day, you’ll see the direct impact of your expertise as part of a high‑performing team driving innovation at pace.
What you’ll bring
You will:
- Design cutting‑edge high‑speed digital PCBs, incorporating state‑of‑the‑art FPGAs, microprocessors, and complex interconnects.
- Lead hardware development across the full lifecycle—from early requirements analysis and design to testing, integration, acceptance, and customer delivery.
- Produce clear, accurate technical documentation, maintaining configuration control and providing insight through plans and progress updates.
- Collaborate with engineers across disciplines as you solve real integration challenges within sophisticated systems.
- Apply your technical foundation, ideally grounded in a degree such as Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related field (BSc, BEng, MSc, MEng, PhD, EngD).
- Translate system‑level requirements into robust hardware designs, working with clarity and precision.
- Use your schematic capture expertise to bring designs to life.
- Design high‑speed serial communication links, drawing on your understanding of relevant protocols and architectures.
- Integrate hardware, firmware, and software—bringing microprocessor‑based systems onto bespoke hardware platforms.
- Take a methodical, process‑driven approach to the entire design lifecycle.
- Debug, test, and verify your designs, supporting system commissioning and ensuring everything works seamlessly.
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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information see 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.
- 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.
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Principal High-Speed Digital Electronics Design Engineer employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. Join us in Edinburgh or Newcastle to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that fosters growth and collaboration in the exciting field of aerospace, defence, and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal High-Speed Digital Electronics Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies in high-speed digital electronics, especially FPGA and microprocessor designs. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors, particularly those who work at Leonardo or similar companies. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights and referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with the full hardware lifecycle in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous projects, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and methodical approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Ensure you understand the security clearance requirements for the role. Familiarise yourself with the process and be prepared to discuss your eligibility, as this is a crucial aspect of the application for positions within Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal High-Speed Digital Electronics Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-speed digital electronics design, particularly with FPGA and microprocessor technologies. Use specific examples from your past work that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the GCAP project. Mention how your skills can contribute to the team and the challenges they face.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly list your qualifications, especially your degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related fields. Emphasise any hands-on experience you have with hardware integration and debugging.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully collaborated with multi-disciplined teams or liaised with suppliers in previous projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal High-Speed Digital Electronics Design Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of high-speed digital design. Be prepared to discuss your experience with FPGA, microprocessors, and PCB design in detail, including specific projects you've worked on.
✨Prepare for System-Level Discussions
Since the role involves analysing system-level requirements, brush up on how you translate these into hardware designs. Be ready to explain your approach to requirements capture and how it influences your design decisions.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position requires working within a multi-disciplined team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineers from different backgrounds to solve complex integration problems, highlighting your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate a Methodical Approach
The interviewers will be looking for your ability to manage the full hardware design lifecycle. Discuss your structured approach to design, testing, and verification, and provide examples of how you've ensured quality and compliance throughout the process.
