At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to design airborne mesh networks for cutting-edge fighter jets.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in research engineering or advanced academic research is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving technological innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Leonardo has a new exciting vacancy for a Wireless Communications Research Engineer. A unique opportunity to work on the 6th Generation Fighter Jets, supporting the joint UK, Italian and Japanese GCAP Project. Supported by an experienced team, the role will be working on a hybrid basis in our purpose-built facility in Southampton.
Your impact
As Wireless Communications Research Engineer, you will investigate different approaches for the design of airborne mesh networks. This includes analysing the results of simulations and proposing how to improve the design, as well as assisting efforts to create standardisation proposals. Working in a Research and Development program, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Researching papers and discussing findings
- Presenting ideas
- Working with algorithms and simulation software
Our Research Engineers span a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system. As a Research Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable.
About You
Proven experience as a Research Engineer within a working environment or advanced academic research experience is a must. Ideally, you will have a Computer Science or Communication Engineering based Honours degree or equivalent experience.
Required
- Related Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
- Knowledge of system engineering principles and model-based systems engineering.
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including network protocols and their use cases.
- Experience within communication technologies.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate ideas to varied audiences.
- The ability to design meaningful experiments and interpret the results.
Optional
- Knowledge of Algorithm Design.
- Knowledge of MANETs particularly relating to FANETs.
- Software engineering techniques.
- Experience of Python or C++ programming.
- Experience in simulation and emulation.
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
Research 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 Research Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for research engineers and practice your answers. Make sure you can discuss your experience with algorithms and simulation software confidently. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to present your ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for learning! Mention any online courses or certifications you've completed, especially those related to communication technologies or programming languages like Python or C++. This will demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in wireless communications and any projects that showcase your skills in algorithm design or simulation software.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with the job description. Don’t forget to mention your willingness to learn and adapt!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your technical skills, especially in networking fundamentals and programming languages like Python or C++. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right away.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in wireless communications and mesh networks. Familiarise yourself with relevant research papers and be ready to discuss your findings. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the field.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with algorithms, simulation software, and programming languages like Python or C++. Bring examples of past projects where you've applied these skills, as this will help demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Practice Your Presentation
Since you'll need to present ideas clearly, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might even want to do a mock presentation for a friend or family member to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the team, the projects, or the company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.