Principal Technical Support Engineer in Gillingham

Principal Technical Support Engineer in Gillingham

Gillingham Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Leonardo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team supporting cutting-edge Electronic Warfare Systems and Defensive Aid products.
  • Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in technical support and problem-solving skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Your impact

At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Technical Support Engineer to join us within the Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) line of business.

In the role of Principal Technical Support Engineer, you will be part of a multi-discipline engineering team providing the back office technical activities required to support Electronic Warfare Systems and Defensive Aid products installed in Fixed and Rotary Wing Platforms of UK and Global customers, in line with contractual requirements.

You will have the opportunity to work across the full range of in-service technical elements including software, hardware, test solutions, processes and upgrades applying problem solving, collaboration and continuous improvement skills to create optimal solutions. You will work closely with the internal Leonardo teams and with external stakeholders, including suppliers, partners and customers, with the ability to influence front-line availability of critical equipment.

As a Principal Technical Support Engineer, you will bring:

  • Experience of working in a service-oriented team that supports the needs of customers, in-service support for the Electronic Warfare/ Defensive Aids Sub-System across multiple customers’ platforms.
  • A technical background in integrating, troubleshooting, and/or supporting hardware, embedded software or test solutions related to complex electronic systems, providing the ability to respond to detailed technical queries from our customers.
  • An ability to balance competing needs and ascertain when to prioritise and escalate issues in order to meet critical delivery timescales.
  • A willingness to take ownership of the maintenance, upgrade, calibration, consumables and supporting documentation for the main equipment and test equipment and associated software.
  • The resourcefulness to ensure robust quality, availability, cost and time trade-offs are undertaken to optimise the service provided from both a business and customer perspective.
  • A capability to track and report on progress to internal stakeholders.
  • Support the Project Engineering Management team to ensure customer Key Performance Indicators and Service Level Agreements are met or exceeded.
  • Self-motivation with an aptitude for problem solving and the drive to resolve difficult issues.
  • Professional discipline to ensure application of appropriate engineering tools / techniques, including ensuring that relevant mandatory training is completed and processes followed. Where suitable, make recommendations for adoption of best practice or tailoring.
  • The confidence to escalate emerging issues and levels of risk and help define opportunities and risk mitigation options.
  • A capacity to coordinate multi-stakeholder input into reports, presentations and reviews for delivery to internal and external customers and stakeholders.
  • An ability to foster relationships and networks within and outside CS3 and actively identify and champion opportunities for continuous improvement and capability enhancement.
  • The enthusiasm to develop, coach or mentor other engineers to help grow the skills and knowledge within the Team.

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 - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

Leonardo

Contact Details:

Leonardo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Technical Support Engineer in Gillingham

Get to Know the Company Culture

Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Leonardo. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.

Join Customer Support Communities

Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Leonardo before they even post them.

Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events

Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!

Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions

In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Technical Support Engineer in Gillingham

Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Python
SQL
Automation
Data Engineering
ETL/ELT Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Leonardo:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Leonardo specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!

Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!

Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Leonardo!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo

Show Off Your People Skills

In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!

Know the Tools of the Trade

Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!

Show Genuine Enthusiasm

As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!

Practice Common Scenarios

Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.