Airworthiness Safety Lead - Future Combat Air Systems

Are you an Airworthiness Engineer who would be interested in supporting the development of future combat air systems capability? Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers systems for situational awareness, electronic defence and surveillance across land, sea and air. Reporting to the GCAP Chief Airworthiness Engineer, we’re seeking a Lead Airworthiness Safety Engineer to provide guidance on airworthiness regulatory and certification requirements. You will ensure that requirements are understood and met, products are suitable for manufacturing, tolerably safe, secure, fit for purpose and reliable in their intended environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent Leonardo in GCAP forums where Airworthiness Certification Safety matters are investigated, progressed, and artefacts developed as an Airworthiness Safety SME.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the UK Military and European Defence Agency EMAR Part 21 Regulatory Environment and understand the GCAP partner nations’ Regulatory Environments.
• Participate with the GCAP Chief Airworthiness Engineer alongside international partners within the Domain Engineering and Technical Office (DETO) in the Office of Airworthiness & Qualification.
• Work with the Design Integrity Chief Engineers and with the Safety and Airworthiness Security leads in each Leonardo Line of Business to ensure a consistent approach.
• Contribute within appropriate Company and Global Electronics Evolution (G2E) Domain working groups to monitor proposed changes to the Regulatory Environment, assess impact, and advise on the appropriate response.
• Collaborate with GCAP Edgewing and G2E partners to develop a tri-national approach towards delivery of airworthy systems to support GCAP.
• Provide input and advice to GCAP product development teams as an airworthiness safety consultant to ensure regulatory requirements are understood and met, and that products are suitable for manufacturing, tolerably safe, secure, fit for purpose and reliable.
• Identify requirements, develop and, where required, deliver training courses; speak confidently on Regulatory matters, Governance and Certification.
• Review Integrated Project Team Safety Management Plans to ensure they comply with company policy, considering design governance and certification activities.
• Assist other GCAP Enablers Work Pack Product Owners with identifying and delivering safety-related Enablers including People, Process, Tools, Technology, Infrastructure and Data.

What You’ll Bring

• A background in aerospace engineering specialising in airworthiness, with an associated master’s level qualification.
• Proven hands-on experience working with UK Military Aviation Authority or civil equivalents (EASA, CAA, etc) in airworthiness certification of air systems.
• Thorough understanding of airworthiness certification processes, including Type Certification, and major/minor change approvals.
• Sound working knowledge of airworthiness regulations e.g. UK MAA MRP, EASA CS-25, Def Stan 00-970, EDA EMAR Part 21, MIL-HDBK-516, etc.
• Experience conducting safety assessments using defence and industry standard guidelines e.g. ARP4754B, ARP4761A, Def Stan 00-56, Def Stan 00-55, and associated methodologies (FHA, PSSA, SSA, FMEA, FTA).
• Knowledge of software and complex electronic hardware certification (DO-178C, DO-254, DO-297) and awareness of Airworthiness Cyber Security (DO-326A, DO-355A, DO-356A).
• Experience supporting design reviews, audits, and regulatory compliance meetings.
• Experience interpreting system architectures, interface control documents, and safety-critical design artefacts.
• Coaching skills to help product development teams do their job without taking over.
• Strong technical writing and reviewing skills for safety reports, compliance documentation, and certification submissions.
• Prior consulting experience delivering certification or safety services to multiple clients.

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) may apply, including eligibility 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.

• Time to Recharge – generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future – pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support, financial advice, and employee networks supporting diversity and inclusion.
• Rewarding Performance – bonus scheme for management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning – access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a Friend – financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks – flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, discounts, gym memberships, and more.
• Flexible Working – hybrid options (part-time opportunities considered).

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. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have accessibility requirements during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Locations

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

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