Hardware Design Authority in Luton

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.

The role of Hardware Design Authority is responsible for the delivery of high-performance self-protection systems installed on fast jet, UAV, land and naval platforms. You will work closely with various IPTs (Integrated Project Team) and Programme Design Authorities to ensure a smooth Hardware Delivery programme consistent with Leonardo's internal Hardware processes. This would include Qualification, support to production deliveries as well as Repairs and support.

This role would be suited to Electronics Engineers experienced at working at a high level who enjoy collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams with experience of the full product development lifecycle. They will be technically responsible for the Hardware Architecture within a growing and exciting project.

Your Impact

• Within the IPT you will have a detailed understanding of the electronic architecture of equipment and will interface closely with other functional areas such as Systems, Mechanical, Firmware to ensure the Hardware architecture meets internal processes and controls for Leonardo's Through product life-cycle.
• Support Qualification activities, Design Changes and Obsolescence cycles.
• You will be responsible for understanding the technical elements of the Hardware implementation.
• Strong communication skills are essential as you will be working within an international multi-partner team. The ability to negotiate and influence others is an essential pre-requisite, ensuring that focus remains on 'the bigger picture'.
• Fully documenting and recording your work products; keeping them under configuration management, and providing plans and progress reports.
• Working within a multi-disciplined team of engineers to resolve technical issues.
• Support to IPTs, to attend project update meetings and be able to communicate and work within those teams with good interpersonal skills.
• Produce reports where necessary and work to Leonardo test and design procedures.

The role involves:

• Production Life cycle management.
• Requirements understanding and detailed technical knowledge of the Hardware Architecture.
• Detailed knowledge of test and integration over a wide selection of different electronic products.
• Support to the various Sectors within Leonardo with guidance and direction to identify, mitigate or resolve technical issues within projects.
• Working within a multi-discipline team to solve system design challenges.

You really must have:

• Thorough understanding of overall system / sub-system function and key performance drivers.
• Awareness / understanding of broad technical areas such as Electronics hardware, software, firmware, power, integration, RF, safety.
• Understanding of how an overall product comes together from all stages. Ideally should have taken a product through the full Engineering life cycle.
• Experience in testing RF and Microwave Designs as well as integrated Digital and High-Speed products.
• Provide experienced guidance/coaching to other members of the discipline to promote a culture of best practice sharing and knowledge exploitation across the function.
• Be able to understand and manage technical risks.

It would be good if you had some of the following:

• Experience within the defence industry.
• Working within Airborne Platforms.
• Safety critical systems.

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.

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!