At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to test and validate cutting-edge radar systems in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and professional growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in advanced radar technology while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM and experience in engineering or R&D required.
The predicted salary is between 31253 - 47000 £ per year.
Salary: £31,253 - £47,000. 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
We are looking for a Systems Test Engineer to join our Airborne AESA Radar team within Leonardo's Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business in Edinburgh, with potential for occasional travel within the UK and worldwide to our customer and end-user sites. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of radar technology, supporting system integration, verification, and qualification activities. The role will be shift-based, operating as part of a team working a 4-on/4-off pattern. You will work within an Integrated Project Team, collaborating with engineers drawn from a diverse group of engineering disciplines to ensure complex systems perform as intended in demanding operational environments. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build or deepen expertise in systems integration, test, and validation, within a highly collaborative and technically challenging environment.
What you’ll do
- The candidate will be required to make technical decisions within their own sphere of influence.
- They will undertake various tasks within an Integrated Project Team, including:
- Conduct system acceptance testing in accordance with published procedures
- Verify the system satisfies the system and subsystem requirements
- System integration, working closely with software, firmware, and hardware teams
- Participate in test readiness and post-test reviews
- Investigate, problem solve, and help resolve system issues and defects
- Demonstrate radar operation in a lab-based environment to customers and industry partners
- Ensure adherence to engineering processes, quality standards, and safe working practices
Development Opportunities
- Gain experience in system and sub-system qualification testing and reporting
- Support flight trials, including integration of systems onto aircraft
- Contribute to in-service support and platform upgrades
- Develop expertise in advanced radar systems and their operational use
What you’ll bring
Essential requirements:
- Degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a STEM related subject
- Practical experience of engineering within a commercial environment or an equivalent research and development organisation
- Experience of verification and validation activities to achieve certification and delivery
- Experience in the use of general purpose test equipment (GPTE), spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.
- An ability to interact with the end user communities on a range of technical and operational topics
- Excellent written and verbal presentation skills including proficiency with MS-Office applications
Desirable experience:
- Familiarity with MATLAB would be an advantage
- Practical experience of AESA Radar operation would be an advantage
- IOSH certification would be an advantage - full training will be given
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
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.
- 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 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. Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Systems Test Engineer employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our Edinburgh location provides a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of radar technology, with access to comprehensive benefits including generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive learning resources. Join us to be part of a collaborative team where your contributions directly impact innovation and global safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Test Engineer
✨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 Systems Test 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 Systems Test Engineer
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.
