At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative solutions to tackle global security challenges in the C-UAS domain.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in solutions architecture and a passion for technology are essential.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Due to continued growth, Leonardo has an exciting opportunity for a Solutions Architect to join our Mission Systems C-UAS Team. Where we provide world leading solutions to an increasing worldwide threat and our teams work alongside international government agencies, helping to ensure National Security.
This is a great opportunity to enhance the leadership and strategic direction of work within the Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems domain. The Solution Architect activities will refine existing implementations but more importantly support and define the strategic direction and architectures in order to fulfil future challenges in the C-UAS solution space.
Hybrid working from our dedicated site in Basildon (we could consider working out of our main sites in the South, but frequent travel to Basildon would be required).
Your impact
As Solutions Architect, you will be responsible for SI Enterprise Architecture design, identification of technical solutions & architectures, technical leadership in bids and external studies, scope of and participation in PV through to support to Capability Management for product portfolios. Day to day responsibilities include:
- Maintaining high awareness of all relevant developments around C-UAS, the associated technologies and frameworks.
- Proposing and evaluating alternative technical and commercial approaches to delivering prime contract capability and systems to the customer.
- Maximising the value of the Leonardo workshare.
- Generation of white papers to shape thinking within the stakeholder community.
- Developing the solution architecture for optimum cost effectiveness and URD compliance.
- Developing a combination of systems and software solutions.
- Working with Systems Architects and Systems Engineering, develop candidate system architectures and derive requirements at all system levels.
- Supporting the Bid Team with cost estimation of solutions.
- Perform cost benefit analysis of system component development versus COTS procurement.
- Contribute to the development of Enterprise Architectures for Major campaigns and programmes.
About You
You will possess proven experience in a similar role, having maintained a high awareness of relevant developments around associated technologies and frameworks. You will be highly experienced in proposing and evaluating technical and commercial approaches to delivering prime contract capability and systems to defence customers. Experience of developing Sensor/Effector systems including C2/GUI aspects. Attributes required include:
- A good understanding of Open and Common Standards/Frameworks relevant to the solution space (eg SAPIENT, Land Data Model, GVA etc).
- The ability to develop white papers to shape and steer thinking within the stakeholder community.
- Ability to lead cost/benefit analysis to inform make/buy decisions for System Solutions.
- Experience of working within the defence industry is essential.
- Experience using tools such as DOORS, Cameo, The Mathworks is desirable.
- Significant experience developing sensor and effector products/systems, including C2/GUI aspects. Specifically the integration of technologies to achieve desired outcomes.
- Experience of working with customers/end-users at a senior commercial and technical level - essential.
- Estimating costs and technical risk for each solution approach.
- Experience of full life cycle for product and system development – concept through to disposal.
- Familiarity with open systems architectures/frameworks such as SAPIENT, LDM.
- Experience of formal user requirements capture, traceability and compliance management methodology and tools.
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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- 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 - Basildon
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect in Billericay
✨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 Solutions Architect. 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 Solutions Architect in Billericay
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.
