Project Engineering Lead in Bristol

We are actively recruiting motivated Project Engineering Leads (PEL's). With multiple programmes in delivery and development, this is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of UK defence engineering. You will join the engineering team on a permanent basis to cover an exciting and growing Integrated Project Team (IPT). The Project Engineering Lead will report to the Project Engineering Manager and provide the engineering leadership and management in collaboration with the Chief Engineer, to identify, develop, deliver and support the technical solution.

This role offers a hybrid working opportunity out of our Bristol office. As a Project Engineering Lead you will be responsible for development, maintenance and enhancements of a product line. Typical day to day tasks include:

• Leading the Engineering aspects of the Project, ensuring technical quality, schedule and budget.
• Management of cross-site, multi-disciplined engineering teams, ensuring that roles within the teams are clearly defined.
• Creating a positive working relationship with customers and partners, to deliver project capability.
• Establishing and maintaining good lines of communication internally across the Engineering IPT, with the IPT lead, Project Manager and Functional Heads.
• Working closely with the Systems Design Authority ensuring they are fully informed on technical progress, technical risk and any mitigation strategies.
• Ensuring the design solution meets the end user requirement, is reliable, fully documented and works within the designated environment.
• Ensuring the design solution is compatible with the business area route map.
• Controlling project configuration and change management to ensure design reuse is maximised.
• Support the management of Suppliers and project Make or Buy decisions.
• Ensuring Candidate concept solutions are captured, including the results of any trade off studies and end user engagement.
• Development of the Engineering Team, providing mentoring, coaching, setting objectives and appraising.

What you’ll bring:

• Ability to produce clear concise engineering plans.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Good schedule and budget control.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercially aware.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, across multiple sites.
• Strong leadership competency but also can demonstrate team-working skills.
• Knowledge of engineering lifecycle and business process.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and possibly overseas.

It would be nice if you had:

• The military domain.
• Requirements elicitation and defining software products.
• Development and certification of airborne equipment.
• New Product Introduction.
• Engineering or scientific Degree qualification (or equivalent).

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).

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 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.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!