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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and test cutting-edge optical communication systems in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative tech while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong background in engineering, physics, or maths; experience with optical systems is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your Impact
Our Systems Engineers span across a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system. As a Systems Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable. The successful candidate will work with sub-contractors and industry partners to construct a model, devise and run experiments and interpret the results.
What you'll do
- Build an optical laboratory for investigating the performance of optical communication systems.
- Build and maintain MATLAB models of optical based airborne communication systems.
- Investigate new approaches to achieve the customer’s requirements.
- Guide the development of free-space optical communication systems.
- Discuss the experiments and results internally and with external stakeholders including customers, external partners and subcontractors.
- Work cooperatively with subcontractors and international partners to achieve a common solution.
- Assemble, integrate and test subsystems.
- Provide input to a proposal to create an internationally recognised standard for Optical Communications.
What you'll bring
Successful candidates will have a strong technical background in an engineering, physics or maths-based subject. System-wide understanding of optical communication systems, with an ability to assess the performance of all the subsystems that comprise an optical communication system is also essential, including:
- Lasers
- Modulators
- Detectors
- Optical Amplifiers
- Wavelength filters
- Polarisation controllers
Experience working in an optical laboratory, ideally with experience in aligning free-space setups and coupling into optical fibres. Experience with model development in a high-level programming language. The ability to perform rigorous analysis independently and confidently present the results internally and externally.
It would be nice if you had knowledge/experience of:
- MATLAB
- Software engineering techniques, such as test development and version control (git)
- Laboratory automation
- Digital Modulation, Channel coding, and other aspects of the physical layer of a communication system
- Assessing the performance of optical communication systems considering the SNR, BER and bandwidth limitations
- Development of free-space optical communication systems for deployment in field environments
- Resiliency strategies and techniques in free-space optical communications
- Working as a member of a large team in developing complex engineered systems
- Understanding of the optomechanical considerations for field deployment of optical systems
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
Successful candidates will be UK nationals. 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!
Primary Location: GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer in Southampton employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
Contact Detail:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. Make sure you can explain complex concepts simply, especially those related to optical communication systems.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay curious and keep learning! Brush up on MATLAB and any other relevant skills that could set you apart. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel during interviews and discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Free Space Optical Comms Systems Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with optical communication systems and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Show Your Passion: Don’t just list your qualifications; let us know why you’re excited about the role! Share your enthusiasm for free-space optical communications and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Know Your Optical Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of optical communication systems, including lasers, modulators, and detectors. Be ready to discuss how these components work together and their performance metrics, as this will show your technical expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your MATLAB Skills
Since experience with MATLAB is crucial for this position, prepare to talk about any relevant projects you've worked on. If possible, bring examples of models you've developed or experiments you've run using MATLAB to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
This role involves working with subcontractors and international partners, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work towards a common goal, as teamwork is key in this position.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
The job description mentions that a good attitude and willingness to learn are essential. Be prepared to discuss how you've approached learning new skills or technologies in the past, and express your enthusiasm for growing within the company and the field of optical communications.