Independent Technical Authority

Overview

Independent Technical Authority role at Leonardo. The position provides independent assurance of product compliance in support of design certification, primarily within the airborne domain, and governs the integrity of products within Electronic Warfare and Major Air Programmes led from Luton, with development activity at Filton, Southampton, Lincoln and Edinburgh. The role involves reviewing release artefacts such as Declarations of Design Performance (DDP), F100A and Product Integrity Certificates, and providing SME guidance to technical leads and program chief engineers. It may also define assurance activities for new and innovative ways of working. This is a hybrid role based in Luton, Lincoln, Bristol, or Southampton with regular UK travel and occasional international trips.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent assurance and Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) support for design certification of Leonardo products.
• Define the certification basis for products developed for high integrity airborne applications.
• Advise product development teams to ensure regulatory requirements are understood, products are producible, safe, secure, legal, fit for purpose, and reliable in their intended environment.
• Review and approve Declarations of Conformity against relevant UK, EU and global legislation, consulting SMEs as needed.
• Chair design reviews on products, systems and services within domain expertise.
• Engage in Product Safety and security Panels and company working groups to monitor regulatory changes.
• Review Integrated Project Team Engineering Plans for compliance with design governance and certification activities.
• Provide independent specialist guidance on best practices, standards and legislation.
• Support development of Subject Matter Experts within the line of business.
• Participate in vendor assessments to understand capabilities.
• Act as deputy company signature and board signature for design certification under AS9100D and DAOS accreditations.
• Deputise for the Chief Engineer Design Integrity and represent Design Integrity, Leonardo Electronics in external forums.
• Develop and deliver training on regulatory matters, governance and certification.

What you’ll bring

• Recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME) in a relevant domain and technology area (e.g., Software or Electronics/Hardware).
• Hands-on experience of product certification to recognised standards, including Integration, Test, Evaluation and Acceptance (ITEA) for airborne products.
• Experience in managing Product Safety and understanding the regulatory environment for airborne products (e.g., MAA, EASA).
• Ideally Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
• Familiarity with product security and cyber considerations.
• Understanding of DO-178C, DO-254, or similar standards.
• Experience delivering training and awareness courses.
• Experience identifying future regulatory needs and participating in external specialist groups or forums.

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 National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). More information is available at the Leonardo careers security page.

Why join us

Leonardo offers a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports wellbeing, career development and work–life balance. We are committed to an inclusive, accessible workplace and welcome applicants with accessibility needs.

• Time to Recharge: generous leave and up to 12 additional flexi-days per year.
• Secure your Future: pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: mental health support, financial advice, and diverse employee networks.
• Rewarding Performance: bonus scheme for management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning: access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a Friend: financial referral reward.
• Tailored Perks: flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, and discounts.
• Flexible Working: hybrid options; part-time arrangements possible by discussion.

Primary Location: GB – Luton; Additional Locations: GB – Bristol, Lincoln, Southampton; Contract Type: Permanent; Hybrid Working: Hybrid.