At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team in enhancing PCB/PCA designs for cutting-edge radar technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in defence electronics with a rich engineering heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace and defence sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Your impact
Are you looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead a skilled team in a time of significant growth in an AESA Radar sector, based in either our Edinburgh or Newcastle offices? Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers mission-critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare and surveillance across land, sea and air. The Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business, based across Edinburgh and Newcastle, is uniquely positioned as one of the world's top manufacturers of radars, lasers and infrared countermeasure systems with a rich heritage in engineering, with 100 years of pioneering development.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the ECRS Mk2 programme at an early stage of its lifecycle. Based in either Edinburgh or Newcastle, you will have the opportunity to influence the successful delivery of equipment to the end user.
We are seeking a Project Engineering Lead (PEL) to lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team responsible for maturing cutting-edge PCB/PCA designs in the supply chain supporting the ECRS Mk2 Programme. Reporting directly to the Project Engineering Manager, this role will provide technical and operational leadership across Leonardo and strategic suppliers to improve manufacturing capability, yield, quality, throughput and production readiness.
As the PEL for the Supply Chain Improvement Team you will:
- Lead the ECRS Mk2 Supply Chain Improvement Team, providing direction, prioritisation and governance across supplier improvement, manufacturing maturity and industrialisation activities.
- Establish and deliver a strategy for improving supplier quality, yield, throughput, lead time and production readiness.
- Act as the primary engineering interface between Leonardo, strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders advising of improvements to design to aid manufacturing quality, schedule & cost.
- Drive root cause investigations and robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Lead regular supplier performance reviews focused on yield, quality, capacity and schedule adherence.
- Conduct supplier assessments, technical reviews and manufacturing readiness evaluations.
- Provide engineering leadership for manufacturing non-conformities and quality issues.
- Work closely with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality and Programme teams.
- Drive Design for Manufacture (DfM), Design for Assembly (DfA) and industrialisation best practice.
- Provide regular updates to the Project Engineering Manager, Chief Engineer, Programme Leadership Team and Head of Programmes.
What you’ll bring:
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Electronics, Physics or equivalent technical discipline.
- Experience of leading engineering teams or complex manufacturing, industrialization, NPI or supply chain work packages.
- Experience working with suppliers to improve quality, delivery and manufacturing capability.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Experience leading supplier reviews, audits or performance improvement activities.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to provide structure, focus and momentum within a challenging delivery environment.
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
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.
- 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
Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across its Integrated Enablers team. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful transformation initiatives while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement 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 Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement 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 Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement 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 Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement, 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.
