At a Glance
- Tasks: Solve complex problems and design innovative solutions for defence technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in cutting-edge defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future technologies while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and a collaborative mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 81000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Do you love solving complex problems? Thrive in a collaborative environment? Want to make an impact with cutting-edge technology? Join us as a Lead Systems Engineer and work on real-world challenges, designing solutions that power the future of defence technology.
If you have applied engineering experience and a systems-thinking mindset, we want to hear from you! Whether you're an expert in a specific area or have broad knowledge across the systems engineering lifecycle, your skills matter.
Your Impact
- Protecting RAF aircraft like Typhoon and Apache
- Advancing next-gen air combat with Team Tempest and GCAP
- Developing future electronic warfare systems
- Harnessing AI/ML to unlock intelligence from vast data
What you'll bring
- Systems Engineering (e.g. problem definition, architecture, MBSE, integration, verification & validation)
- Domain Expertise (e.g. digital signal processing, RF systems, AI/ML, multi-sensor fusion, electronic warfare)
- Collaboration with specialists in safety, security, and reliability to deliver robust solutions
What you'll do
- Defining and developing system requirements
- Leading concept studies and system trade-offs
- Prototyping new technologies
- Solving integration challenges and testing solutions
- Working with industry partners and sharing knowledge
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), along with an additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV), including meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). Due to the nature of the work and its connections to UK Defence strategy, applicants must have five years UK Residency and hold a UK Passport.
Salary Range:
Lead Engineer £67,000 to £81,000
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.
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.
Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
Additional Locations: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer in Gillingham
✨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 Lead Systems Engineer 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 Lead Systems Engineer 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 Lead Systems Engineer in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Systems Engineer, 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.
