At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of secure platforms for critical defence and public sector services.
- 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 an inclusive team that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Tackle complex challenges and make a real impact in cyber and platform engineering.
- Qualifications: Extensive technical expertise in platform domains and a problem-solving mindset.
The predicted salary is between 53269 - 71400 £ per year.
Salary Range: £53,269 - £71,400. 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
Are you ready to take on complex technical challenges at the forefront of cyber and platform engineering? At Leonardo, our Principal Platform Engineers are hands-on experts who shape the design, integration, and delivery of secure platforms that keep our customers’ missions running. Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. The role may involve a blended hybrid working model, with a mixture of working from home and working on site at one of our Leonardo offices to ensure close collaboration with the wider team and with our customers. Leonardo UK is seeking a Principal Platform Engineer to join the Cyber & Security Solutions Division team. This role is focused on delivering, maintaining, and improving platform and systems engineering solutions that underpin critical defence, government and public sector services.
What you will do as a Principal Platform Engineer
- Act as the technical authority on one of our platform engineering domains (e.g. virtualisation) providing specialist domain expertise to projects and programmes.
- Lead the design and implementation of secure platforms across on-premise environments.
- Capture, analyse, and interpret complex customer requirements to drive system design and architecture.
- Develop high- and low-level designs, ensuring alignment with secure-by-design principles.
- Take ownership of technical delivery within work packages, including planning, estimation, and progress reporting.
- Mentor, coach, and develop junior and senior engineers, raising technical capability across the community.
- Provide input to technology strategies, feasibility studies, and innovation projects.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, presenting technical solutions and justifying design decisions.
What you’ll bring
- Extensive technical expertise across multiple platform domains, with a track record of delivering secure solutions.
- The ability to balance hands-on engineering with technical leadership and mentorship.
- A problem-solving mindset, able to innovate and recommend the best approach for complex challenges.
Core areas (must have):
- Windows and Linux operating systems
- Virtualisation platforms (VMware, Hyper-V)
- VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) stack (vSphere, vSAN, NSX-T, Aria Suite)
- Design, build and operation of software-defined datacentre platforms
- Network virtualisation and micro-segmentation concepts (NSX, platform-integrated)
- Networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, firewalls)
- Automation and scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, Terraform)
- Knowledge of cyber security controls and accreditation requirements
- Experience across the systems engineering lifecycle
- Integration of compute, storage, and network layers into a unified platform
- Delivery within secure / enterprise / defence environments
Desirable:
- VCAP certification
- Expertise with cloud platforms (AWS) and Infrastructure as Code
- Experience integrating enterprise services (Active Directory, PKI, monitoring, SIEM)
- Hands-on use of DevSecOps tools and CI/CD pipelines
- VxRail and hyper-converged infrastructure
- Automation of VCF lifecycle (patching, upgrades, deployment)
- Integration with enterprise identity and security services (AD, PKI, PAM)
- Containerisation platforms (Kubernetes, Docker)
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) will apply. This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance prior to starting.
Location
This role will be based at one of our UK sites - Yeovil.
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.
- Time to Recharge: Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: 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.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits such as private healthcare, lifestyle discounts, and gym memberships.
- Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
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!
Principal Platform Engineer (VMWare Cloud Foundation) in Yeovil employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
At Leonardo UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Yeovil, our team-centric environment encourages growth and mentorship, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence and security sectors.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Platform Engineer (VMWare Cloud Foundation) in Yeovil
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Leonardo Worldwide Corporation, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Platform Engineer (VMWare Cloud Foundation) in Yeovil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Leonardo Worldwide Corporation that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
