Senior Technical Specialist in Edinburgh

Senior Technical Specialist in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 75000 - 97515 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Leonardo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and ensure compliance of test systems for fast-jet radar technology.
  • Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive team driving innovation and global safety.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in test solutions and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 97515 £ per year.

Salary: £75,000 - £97,515

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. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

The role of Test Equipment Design Authority is responsible for the assurance and compliance of test systems used at second line support to diagnose faults and return to service fast-jet radar systems. You will work closely with various IPTs (Integrated Project Team) to ensure that the equipment is safe, secure, legally compliant and configured, fully certified and continually evolving to meet the needs of the customer and Leonardo UK stakeholders. This role would be suited to a Test Engineer familiar with working on complex electronic (ideally Optical, RF, Digital and analogue based) Test Solutions. The DA will have had hands-on experience of designing complex Test Solutions over the full life cycle.

Your Impact

  • Support Verification activities, Design Changes and Obsolescence cycles
  • You will be responsible for understanding the technical elements of the Test Equipment implementation across an international multi-partner team
  • Strong communication skills are essential. The ability to negotiate and influence others is an essential pre-requisite, ensuring that focus remains on ‘the bigger picture’
  • Fully documenting and recording your work products; keeping them under configuration management, and providing plans and progress reports
  • Working within a multi-disciplined team of engineers to resolve technical issues
  • Support to IPTs, to attend project update meetings and be able to communicate and work within those teams with good interpersonal skills.
  • Produce reports where necessary and work to Leonardo test and design policies and procedures.

The role involves:

  • An understanding of and ability to apply through life Product Life cycle management
  • Be able to identify requirements from users, developing a coherent set of functional and non-functional requirements and their route to compliance.
  • Detailed knowledge of test and integration over a range of electronic products
  • Support to the various Sectors within Leonardo with guidance and direction to identify, mitigate or resolve technical issues within projects
  • Conducting regular reviews of test equipment to ensure sustained compliance, including assessing the impact of proposed changes
  • Facilitating continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for value adding investment

To be successful in this role we are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate some or all of the following:

  • Familiarisation with Defence related technological solutions
  • Ideally experience/knowledge of Airborne Radar technology
  • Requirements definition and management (DOORS experience would be beneficial)
  • Experience in full life cycle management in test solutions
  • Experience of participating in design reviews
  • System Design and Implementation
  • Requirement Verification and Compliance
  • Basic knowledge of legislation and standards that apply within the industrial workspace. (e.g.: Electrical, Chemical, Electromagnetic Compatibility).
  • Working knowledge of Safety Analysis, Hazard Identification and Mitigation.
  • Basic knowledge of Product Security, legislative requirements, risk identification and mitigation, including applicable to international delivery locations.
  • Interfacing with Sub-Contractors
  • Experience of export compliance

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.

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 (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 - Edinburgh

Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

Senior Technical Specialist in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo

At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to over 4,000 online courses, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Edinburgh, our collaborative environment fosters innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Leonardo

Contact Details:

Leonardo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Specialist in Edinburgh

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 Senior Technical Specialist. 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 Senior Technical Specialist in Edinburgh

Test Equipment Design
Complex Electronic Test Solutions
Product Life Cycle Management
Requirements Definition and Management
Design Reviews
System Design and Implementation
Requirement Verification and Compliance

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.