At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of next-gen defence avionics and ensure system-level coherence.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in aerospace and defence with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, award-winning pension, and mental health support.
- Other info: Strategic role with opportunities for career growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on national security and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in complex systems engineering and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 82000 £ per year.
Salary: £75,000 - £82,000
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.
Your Impact
Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Multi-function RF System (MRFS) programme represents one of the most significant next‑generation defence avionics developments in Europe. This is a rare career‑defining opportunity to step into a pivotal national technical leadership role, reporting to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and International System Design Authority (SDA), at the heart of a world‑class engineering organisation with decades of airborne radar expertise.
As the National Chief Engineer and Design Authority, you will provide overall technical leadership across the GCAP Multi-function RF System, within Leonardo Electronics UK. You will be accountable for system-level coherence, architecture integrity, and long-term technical strategy within a highly complex multi-national programme. Your decisions will directly influence future capability, export potential, and the UK’s position within GCAP. The National Chief Engineer and Design Authority is a critical role within the Chief Engineering team, supporting international decision making while representing and safeguarding UK Freedom of Action and Freedom of Modification. The appropriate candidate may be asked to deputise for the International SDA when necessary.
This is more than an appointment — it is a strategic leadership position with significant influence across industry and government stakeholders. You will also be responsible for:
- Accountable to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and international SDA, you will act as the UK National Design Authority for GCAP Multi-function RF System.
- Lead the critical low observability technology development programme.
- Ensure that the jointly developed solution satisfies UK National objectives and aspirations.
- Lead system and hardware architecture, ensuring alignment across radar, multifunction capability, and wider platform integration.
- Drive systems engineering activities including requirements management, functional decomposition, interface definition, and verification strategy.
- Lead concept generation, solution development, and trade studies across the system lifecycle.
- Provide technical governance and approval of key engineering artefacts, including compliance matrices and qualification evidence.
- Engage with national and international stakeholders across government, industry partners, and customers.
- Ensure integration across subsystem domains including RF, digital processing, software, and electro-mechanical systems.
- Support safety, security, and airworthiness activities.
- Lead technical reviews and ensure robust decision-making at system level.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in complex systems engineering, ideally within radar, sensing, or advanced electronic systems.
- Proven track record in system architecture leadership and design authority roles.
- Strong background in concept development and advanced system design.
- Ability to operate at programme and national stakeholder level.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
- Eligibility for UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance (mandatory).
- Experience within multinational defence programmes and familiarity with tools such as DOORS/Teamcenter (desirable).
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.
Chief Engineer in Bathgate employer: Leonardo
Leonardo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee experience and inclusion, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive mental health support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company fosters growth opportunities, ensuring that every team member can develop their skills and advance their careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Bathgate
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Leonardo for a Chief Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Bathgate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Leonardo, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Leonardo, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Leonardo.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Leonardo. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Leonardo love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
