At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and compliance in advanced engineering labs while managing valuable test equipment.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Receive on-the-job mentoring and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in engineering and a willingness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37318 - 53550 £ per year.
Salary: £37,318 - £53,550
Your Impact
Are you a rigorous safety leader with a sharp eye for engineering asset management? Leonardo’s Radar and Advanced Targeting Systems (RATS) line of business is seeking a highly organised and proactive Laboratory Steward to take full operational ownership of our three onsite, advanced engineering laboratories. As a Laboratory Steward, you will hold delegated authority to enforce Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) compliance across our facility. In addition to this, you will act as our resident Test Equipment Officer managing a high-value engineering asset inventory via our internal asset management system, coordinating calibration pipelines with our preferred service provider, and leading safety inductions to safeguard our people, products, and programs.
Key responsibilities:
- HSE: Verify risk assessments before work begins and maintain safety records for lab-specific hazards. Conduct monthly inspections, maintain facility layouts, and lead all HSE/QA audits. Own and close out audit findings and NCRs using documented root cause analysis. Ensure all laboratory HSE internal procedures and regulatory requirements are adhered to, actively managed, and consistently upheld across all activities.
- Access Control & Inductions: Verify training completion and manager approval prior to granting laboratory access. Conduct and record mandatory safety inductions before permitting any unescorted lab access.
- Infrastructure: Manage space layout changes, coordinate building repairs via the facilities helpdesk, and track Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compliance.
- Workflows & Resolution: Manage calibration schedules and outages to minimise disruption; raise non-conformance actions for out-of-tolerance equipment.
- General Purpose Test Equipment: Take ownership of all laboratory test equipment, ensuring full compliance with internal calibration controls, and track all equipment movements into and out of the laboratory. Manage calibration schedules and planned outages for general purpose test equipment to minimise disruption and raise non-conformance actions for any out of tolerance equipment. Maintain a rolling five year capital expenditure plan for general purpose test equipment, aligned with laboratory and project needs and requirements.
What you’ll bring:
- Education: Minimum HNC/HND or equivalent in an Electrical, Electronic, or Mechanical engineering discipline.
- HSE & Risk: IOSH Managing Safely qualification (or achieved upon appointment). Strong understanding of laboratory hazards (COSHH, ESD, electrical safety, lifting regulations).
- Systems: Experience navigating industrial asset databases (ideally SAP PM / SEM or equivalent tracking software).
- Financial Literacy: Understanding of capital expenditure (CapEx) procurement workflows and rolling asset planning.
- Leadership: Confidence to step up as an operational authority figure, halt unsafe practices, host audits, and deliver technical safety inductions.
- Training & Support: We do not expect you to know everything from day one. To ensure a successful transition, mandatory on-the-job mentoring will be provided. Any remaining training gaps will be fully supported and funded by the company.
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, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us:
- 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 - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Employee-Permanent
Hybrid Working: Onsite
Laboratory Steward in Edinburgh 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 Laboratory Steward in Edinburgh
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Laboratory Steward role you’re after at Leonardo.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Leonardo a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Leonardo.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Laboratory Steward at Leonardo, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Steward in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Laboratory Steward, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Leonardo a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Leonardo specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Leonardo, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Leonardo want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.