Processor Technical Specialist

Salary: £67,000 to £97,000. 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. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your impact:

Step into a role where your expertise helps shape the future of combat air. We’re looking for a Processor Architect and Design Authority with deep knowledge of processor technologies for military aircraft — someone who has led engineering through every stage, from first concept to final certification. Your work will directly contribute to the international development of the next‐generation multi‐function RF system for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) — a programme creating the future fighter aircraft for the UK, Italy and Japan. This is your chance to influence one of the world’s most advanced defence programmes and shape the processors at the heart of tomorrow’s air‐combat capability.

You will:

• Define advanced radar processor architectures that blend cutting‐edge semiconductor technologies with high‐speed digital design. These systems combine FPGAs, specialised microprocessors and hybrid processing strategies to handle complex mathematical workloads with precision and ultra‐low latency — all while meeting demanding size, weight, power and cooling constraints.
• Play a major role in providing leadership and guidance on the engineering activities to deliver Processor solutions across a range of GCAP programs, at differing stages of the design lifecycle.
• Act as the Technical lead to a multi-disciplined project team in close partnership with key stakeholders.
• Be responsible for delivered product design, compliance, safety and integrity.
• Ensure independent product assurance through Design Reviews and ensure Company procedures are adhered to.
• Represent the Company, supported by Chief Engineers, when engaging with customers and Workshare Partners to define and deliver technical solutions.
• Be delegated by the business as the Design Authority & Company Technical Signatory for the required products.
• Own the technical solution for all phases of Processor product development by representing Leonardo with external stakeholders, and representing the Line of Business with internal stakeholders, to ensure all elements of development are considered as part of the integrated Processor platform solution.
• Ensure Processor products are compliant with any performance, legislative and contractual requirements, with a strategy for completing a traceable evidence set.
• Ensure robust quality and performance within Processor designs.
• Work closely with the Project Engineering Lead to ensure cost and time trade-offs are undertaken and then to establish the technical solution coherent with the agreed budgets and timescales.
• Provide technical direction, control, evaluation and recommendations with respect to risks and opportunities.
• Lead and mentor the technical team to enable product solution results.
• Define strategic capability improvements and cost initiatives.

What you'll bring:

• A strong background in development of complex military products.
• Experience in developing systems solutions particularly within the radar domain.
• Experience of working with Requirements, Test Qualification and Acceptance strategies.
• Experience of managing the Design Standard and associated Configuration Management.
• Experience in gaining Design Certification and Customer Acceptance.
• The ability to develop Processing platform technical solutions, compliant with requirements.
• The ability to produce innovative Processor platform solutions based on an extensive knowledge of the latest processor/FPGA/GPU device families and associated IO standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to be able to interact with SMEs and End Users of various nationalities regarding a wide range of technical and operational topics.
• Be self-motivated and capable of working with minimum direction.
• Have knowledge of Firmware and Software Development.
• Are degree qualified in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline (or equivalent).
• Are a Chartered Engineer / member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Have substantial analytical and technical problem-solving skills.
• A track record of delivering complex electronic system-of-systems with significant experience working in a similar industrial role.

Onsite working is preferred as this is a hardware-based role. Leonardo operates a flexible working policy and so the opportunity for a hybrid working solution could be explored.

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!