At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PCB development and manufacturing for advanced defence systems.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in PCB development with strong technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At Leonardo, we solve real-world engineering challenges, designing and developing mission-critical solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced defence and security systems. We are recruiting for a Lead PCB Technical Specialist to provide deep technical leadership in the development, industrialisation and supply chain maturation of highly complex Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) within the UK European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 programme. The role will report to the Project Engineering Lead for Supply Chain Improvement Team and support the Project Engineering Manager (PEM) and Programme Leadership Team in delivering the programme’s technical, cost, quality and schedule objectives.
The successful candidate will act as the subject matter expert for PCB technologies, manufacturing processes and supplier capability development, supporting the transition of complex PCB designs from development through to high-yield, repeatable production. Working across engineering, manufacturing, quality and supply chain functions, the role will play a critical part in ensuring the programme can achieve its delivery commitments within an increasingly challenging electronic manufacturing supply landscape.
What you’ll do as the Lead PCB Technical Specialist
- Play a major role in providing technical leadership and specialist guidance across all aspects of PCB manufacture, supplier development and product industrialisation.
- Act as the technical lead for PCB manufacturing and industrialisation activities across the Mk2 Programme.
- Own the technical strategy for the manufacture of highly complex PCB assemblies, ensuring designs are capable of achieving reliable, repeatable and cost-effective production.
- Work closely with the Project Engineering Lead & Programme Manager to ensure cost and time trade-offs are undertaken and establish technical solutions coherent with agreed budgets and programme timescales.
- Lead technical engagement with PCB manufacturers and key supply chain partners.
- Conduct detailed assessments of supplier manufacturing capability, process maturity and technical risk.
- Lead supplier development and supply chain maturity activities to improve manufacturing performance, quality, yield and capacity.
- Identify manufacturing process weaknesses and drive corrective and preventive improvement initiatives within supplier organisations.
- Ensure programme capacity, yield and cost targets are achieved in both the short and long term.
- Provide Design for Manufacture (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) guidance to engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle.
- Lead reviews of manufacturing readiness, production risk and technical compliance.
- Communicate technical risks, issues and opportunities to the Project Chief Engineer and Programme Leadership Team.
- Support configuration control, qualification, verification and acceptance activities associated with PCB production.
- Represent Leonardo when engaging with customers, senior leadership and external stakeholders to define and deliver technical solutions.
What you’ll bring
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience in PCB development, manufacture and industrialisation.
- Extensive experience in the manufacture of highly complex multilayer and high-reliability PCB products.
- Deep technical expertise in PCB fabrication, assembly and manufacturing technologies.
- Proven experience of taking PCB products from development and low-yield production through to stable, high-yield manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of PCB process capability, yield management and manufacturing quality systems.
- Experience of identifying supplier process weaknesses and implementing effective improvement plans.
- Experience working directly with PCB fabricators and assembly houses to resolve complex technical and manufacturing challenges.
- Strong knowledge of DfM and DfA principles and their application to complex electronic products.
- Experience leading supplier technical assessments, audits and manufacturing readiness reviews.
- Understanding of capacity planning, supply chain resilience and manufacturing risk management.
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 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.
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Lead PCB Technical Specialist employer: Leonardo
Leonardo in Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among engineers. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in cutting-edge technology while working on impactful defence and commercial projects. The Agile framework and emphasis on cross-platform development create a stimulating environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead PCB Technical Specialist
✨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 PCB Technical Specialist 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 PCB Technical Specialist 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 PCB Technical Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead PCB Technical Specialist, 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.
