At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety governance in innovative radar and targeting systems projects.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and compliance in cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and relevant engineering degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Within our Radar and Advanced Targeting Systems (RATS) line of business, we deliver world-class innovative multi-role surveillance radars and countermeasure systems that help protect people and nations. We are seeking a Lead Safety Engineer to join our Design Integrity function, to support the Test Engineering department. In this key role, you will ensure that robust safety governance is applied across all activities, meeting both internal standards and external legal and regulatory requirements. As a Lead Safety Engineer, you will lead on test safety and product test equipment safety, taking ownership from early concept through to certification. By embedding safety, environmental, and regulatory considerations throughout the entire lifecycle, you will help ensure our solutions are safe, compliant, and delivered to the highest standards.
Please note the role is working on a hybrid basis (a minimum of three days per week onsite) from either our Edinburgh or Newcastle sites. Regular travel between both sites will be required.
What you will do as Lead Safety Engineer:
- Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Sector Engineering Safety Managers to ensure project safety requirements are achieved.
- Define Product Safety and Environmental requirements (product, contractual, legal and regulatory).
- Participate in the planning and execution of test programmes to address design safety considerations.
- Ensure test equipment safety certification (jigs, fixtures, electrical, electronic, optical and RF test equipment and facilities) and readiness for test, supporting Declaration of Design and Performance compliance.
- Provide specialist Product Safety and Environmental guidance within Test Engineering.
- Participate in Product Safety Panels and manage safety and environmental incident data within corrective action systems.
Ideally Chartered Engineer status, and a 2:1 or higher in a relevant engineering or science-based honours degree. Experience applying safety tools and techniques within Electronics or Avionics disciplines, including Hazard Log Management, Hazard Identification, Functional Failure Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, Risk Assessment and ALARP justifications. Knowledge of electronic testing standards and compliance requirements. Experience of verification and testing aligned to ARP4754 or equivalent standards. Experience achieving Product Safety certification in regulated environments.
Security Clearance
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.
Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. 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. 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.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Safety Engineer (Permanent)
✨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.
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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.
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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 Safety Engineer (Permanent). 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 Safety Engineer (Permanent)
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.
