At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative test solutions for military platforms.
- 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 a diverse team driving innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in test engineering and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 87100 £ per year.
Your impact
Are you motivated by delivering the best test capability possible in support of a range of military platforms both nationally and internationally? Does the sound of Typhoon, Saab Gripen and other exciting avionic platforms interest you?
At Leonardo, we have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Lead Systems Test Engineer to join our team within the Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) Line of Business. CS3 operates across the UK and overseas, supporting critical technologies and systems on Air, Land and Sea platforms, ensuring their readiness and availability to underpin national security. We are proud to be the largest supplier of avionic support to the UK MoD and a trusted partner for our customers worldwide, providing innovative and invaluable support solutions.
A key element of these solutions is the provision of test capability and in this role you will be supporting the definition and delivery of technical strategies and solutions to ensure the range of test solutions meet current and future needs.
What you'll bring
You will be responsible for applying specialist knowledge and experience to define and deliver appropriate technical solutions that meet the needs of our customers in support of their platforms in operation, both domestic and international. The role will involve overseeing the test equipment that our customers are dependent upon – determining opportunities and risk mitigations, as well as managing the transfer of test equipment from production into support in line with engineering lifecycle processes. This equipment is often delivered as part of an ML2 (Maintenance Level 2) capability at regional diagnostic and repair centres at military bases and customer sites and under Part 145 regulations.
Reporting to the Head of Test Engineering CS3, this role requires close collaboration both within CS3, and with the other lines of business, to ensure alignment across project and business objectives. We are looking for someone who has experience of supporting Test Equipment in the Through Life Support phase of the product life cycle. You will be responsible for:
- Supporting and contributing to the delivery of strategies and priorities for CS3 test engineering
- Providing technical expertise and experience in the creation of technical test solutions and roadmaps that add value to both customer and CS3
- Working with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement effective test solutions that support the reduction of impact to platform availability whilst ensuring safe and compliant operation
- Interpretation of product roadmaps through collaboration with CS3 Programme Leads, partner lines of business and Technology Leaders to develop programmes of investment and improvement ensuring the capability of test equipment is maintained to end of service
- Maintaining a positive working relationship with stakeholders, including test delivery leads within each line of business and CS3 programme and engineering leads
- Collating and generating performance metrics and reports, highlighting opportunities and risks for test equipment
- Providing support to CS3 bid activity on opportunities to supply ML1, ML2 and ML3 test capability and support solutions to customers both domestic and international.
- Representing CS3 test engineering at sector reviews and project performance reviews as required
We would like to hear from you if you have a combination of the following:
- Experience of delivering test solutions for highly complex and technically challenging products, preferably in the defence electronics sector. Knowledge of RF, Optical or Laser test technology is desirable
- In-service knowledge and operation of a multi-contractual support environment
- Proven technical expertise in the field of test capability in the support phase of the product lifecycle
- Experience across engineering lifecycles, with an emphasis on test engineering and associated planning and governance activities for successful delivery outcomes
- Ability to understand the bigger picture and solve complex problems
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated with a strong ability to foster and develop effective working relationships with both external and internal stakeholders at varying levels of seniority
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with an ability to influence and adapt according to changing demands
- Awareness of statutory and regulatory compliance requirements within the defence avionics industry
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 (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 - Luton - Cap. Green 300
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Test Systems Engineer in Gillingham
✨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 Lead Test Systems Engineer. 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 Lead Test Systems Engineer in Gillingham
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.
