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- Tasks: Lead engineering projects for cutting-edge defence systems and collaborate with a diverse team.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative defence technology while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and leadership roles is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
At Leonardo, we solve real-world engineering challenges, designing and developing mission-critical solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced defence and security systems.
Your work will contribute to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – Future Generation Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) & Infra-Red Search & Track (IRST) products
We are recruiting for a Project Engineering Lead (PEL). Based on your skills and experience, we’ll match you to the most impactful part of the project where you can thrive and grow.
You will play a major role in defining the engineering elements of joint working and interpret the UK elements of contributing to delivering operational capability. The PEL will engage a mixed engineering IPT on early lifecycle engineering tasks including Requirements Definition, Concepting, System Development, Modelling and Technology Maturation.
We are looking for a candidate who has both a sound technical background and prior experience in a leadership position. The role will require a skilled leader and experienced systems engineer in order to ensure the IPT is supported and remain focused on delivery.
Key Skills You’ll Use & Develop
- Good depth of knowledge and practical experience of working across different stages of the engineering lifecycle.
- Technical experience & systems engineering skillsets within the context of EO/IR products and defence contracts
- Manage and assess reported system-level issues captured during lab testing, integration and flight trials.
- Lead technical investigations and re-design activities in line with project priorities.
- Produce effective, efficient and realistic plans to deliver the solution and communicate these to Engineering Management to ensure forward load is correct and resources are available.
- Ensure effective implementation of the company\\\’s Lifecycle Management process and project engineering processes are followed.
- Work closely with the Engineering Management team and Chief Engineers to make and enact decisions quickly within the project.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with engineers, managers, subject matter experts and customers.
- Lead and motivate a multi-discipline engineering team.
- Ensure your team is equipped and supported to deliver against their commitments.
What else would help
- Experience of following a system change management process.
- The ability to keep track and mange a diverse set of activities with many interactions and dependencies.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
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
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you\\\’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- 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 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.
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.
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Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Primary Location: GB – Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Onsite
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Project Engineering Lead – Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineering Lead – Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Leonardo. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Global Combat Air Programme and understanding the key technologies involved. Show us you’re passionate about the role and ready to tackle those engineering challenges head-on!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve led a team or managed a project. We want to see how you motivate others and drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Leonardo team.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineering Lead – Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Project Engineering Lead role. Highlight your technical background and leadership experience, especially in systems engineering and EO/IR products.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and tackled engineering challenges, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the Global Combat Air Programme!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong interpersonal skills are key for this role, make sure your application demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically to show us you can build relationships with engineers and stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Leonardo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Engineering Lifecycle
Make sure you brush up on the different stages of the engineering lifecycle. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with requirements definition, concepting, and system development. This will show that you understand the role's demands and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in technical environments. Highlight your ability to motivate a multi-discipline engineering team and how you’ve successfully managed diverse activities. This will demonstrate your fit for the Project Engineering Lead position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Since strong interpersonal skills are crucial for this role, think about how you can build relationships with engineers, managers, and customers during the interview. Good communication can set you apart!
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect to face questions about system-level issues and how you would approach technical investigations. Prepare to discuss any relevant experiences you have with managing system change processes or redesign activities. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.
