Systems Engineer - Antenna/Electromagnetic - All Levels in Edinburgh

Leonardo is a world-class defence technology company in Edinburgh. We develop cutting edge Radars for the Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Gripen fighter jets, as well as Maritime and Airborne surveillance systems. We are also investors in innovation, undertaking all our own research to fuel our future products. We are recruiting talented, motivated engineers to join our growing team.

As an experienced Antenna/Electromagnetic Engineer, you will work within a specialist team of 15 highly motivated engineers covering electromagnetic design, antenna test, simulation and analysis to support the development of advanced phased array antennas for radar applications throughout the various stages of the engineering lifecycle. This is a fantastic opportunity for your career to further develop your knowledge and expertise in all aspects of Electromagnetics and Antenna engineering. A mixture of formal and on-the-job training will be available to introduce new concepts and build on existing skills and experience. Please note this position will require full-time attendance on-site in Edinburgh.

You will report to the Antenna Lead Technical Specialist and work within a team of 15 highly motivated engineers covering electromagnetic design, antenna test, simulation and analysis to support the development of advanced phased array antennas for radar applications through various stages of the engineering lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to or lead research and development projects to advance our design, simulation and measurement capabilities.
• Develop new or advance existing designs of phased array antenna systems from concept creation through supporting integration, test and analysis.
• Use various EM simulation codes to analyse and optimise the design and installation impacts of sensors on a ‘stealthy’ vehicle.
• Support Antenna and Electromagnetic measurement campaigns to validate models and designs.
• Technical assessment and modelling of system or subsystem design to ensure compatibility with overall system performance.
• Work with antenna test engineers to define test procedures, create test and analysis plans, report results in a variety of formats e.g. formal reports, automated reports and presentations.
• Contribute to the planning and progress reports of both development and production antenna test activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in a STEM subject (Physics, Mathematics, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, System Engineering, or another science-based subject).
• Experience / Education in at least one of the following areas of Electromagnetics: Antenna design/modelling/measurement, Computational Electromagnetic Modelling (CEM), Radio frequency (RF) design, Microwave engineering, Low Observables (LO) or Stealth Technology.
• Excellent numerical problem-solving skills and an aptitude for lateral thinking.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB to perform analysis of results.
• Knowledge of other scripting/programming languages may be considered if it suggests an easy adaptation to MATLAB.
• The ability to assimilate complicated topics quickly and possess strong communication skills to convey complex subjects to our teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with engineers, managers, subject matter experts and customers.

It would be nice of you also had

• A master’s degree or PhD in a subject such as Physics, Antenna Design, Propagation, Electromagnetics, Microwave engineering, Data Analysis of measured data, etc.
• Experience in phased array antenna or microwave components measurement using standard RF test equipment (VNA, Spectrum Analyser, etc.).
• Working knowledge of CST Microwave Studio or similar commercial EM modelling tools.

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.

Primary Location GB – Edinburgh Additional Locations GB – Newcastle Contract Type Permanent Hybrid Working Onsite