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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to modernise product development in cutting-edge digital engineering.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's Future Combat Air platform.
- Qualifications: Strong background in engineering and experience with Agile methodologies.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane (plus additional UK locations: Basildon, Edinburgh, Lincoln, Luton – Cap. Green 300, Newcastle, Southampton)
Overview
Leonardo Future Combat Air (FCA) is developing the 6th Generation Future Combat Air platform – the UK’s Tempest – and needs a Product Owner to guide the Digital Engineering Integration team through GCAP’s Design and Development phase.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Digital Engineering Integration team, modernising LEUK’s end‑to‑end product development on GCAP.
- Own and deliver the Digital Engineering Integration Programme Backlog, coordinating specialist scrum teams composed of Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team members.
- Collaborate with the Enablers Chief Systems Engineer to define future‑state Digital Engineering capabilities, including Digital Thread, PLM/ALM modernisation, Model‑Based Engineering, and connected Digital Engineering Ecosystems.
- Maintain the Digital Engineering Capability Product Roadmap, identifying capabilities and demonstrating measurable value.
- Produce deliverables such as User Needs Specification and Digital Engineering Roadmaps.
- Engage with GCAP Industry Partners to ensure programme needs are understood and actioned.
- Identify inefficiencies and capability gaps and translate strategic objectives into actionable transformation roadmaps and technology implementation plans.
- Manage stakeholder expectations, facilitate executive discussions, and drive alignment across GCAP Industry Partners and LED UK cross‑functional teams.
- Work with the Future Factory and Engineering Function to deliver complex Digital Engineering capabilities, ensuring alignment with LEUK business requirements.
- Support the Digital Engineering Integration – Project Engineering Lead in planning, risk identification, and governance adherence.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Strong background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering with multidisciplinary and systems‑level thinking.
- Significant experience on large, complex programmes.
- Proficient in digital engineering technologies, methods and trends.
- Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
- Excellent communication skills across hierarchies and cultures.
- Ability to influence, inspire trust, and lead stakeholder engagement.
- Proactive problem‑solving with win‑win solutions.
- Ability to work effectively under uncertainty.
Preferred Skills
- Technical expertise and management on Defence programmes.
- Knowledge of Digital Engineering/Digital Threads, Digital Twins.
- Understanding of financial management and programme impacts.
- Experience in a “customer facing” role and senior external interactions.
- Experience across all lifecycle phases – Development, Manufacture, Support.
- Familiarity with Leonardo UK engineering delivery processes.
Security Clearance
This role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). National Security Vetting (NSV) may also apply, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC). Sole UK nationality is required for eligibility.
Benefits
- Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi‑days per year.
- 12ÂĽ year NHS pension contribution up to 15%.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led inclusion networks.
- Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
- 4,000+ free online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Financial reward through the referral program.
- Annual ÂŁ500 flexible benefits cover (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships).
- Hybrid working – flexible hours with hybrid options; part‑time flexibility available.
Contract
Permanent – Full‑time – Hybrid.
Equal Opportunity
Leonardo is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with UK employment law. Apply now to join a global leader in Aerospace, Defence and Security.
Lead Systems Engineer - Digital Engineering employer: Leonardo
Contact Detail:
Leonardo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer - Digital Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to Leonardo or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the role and the company. Understand their projects, especially around Digital Engineering, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, especially in complex programmes. This will demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer - Digital Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in digital engineering and Agile methodologies, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements relevant to the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Digital Engineering Integration team. Be sure to mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to modernising our product development.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've influenced and inspired trust in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your Digital Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest digital engineering technologies and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied Agile/Scrum in past projects, as this role heavily relies on those skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to influence and engage stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the Product Owner role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Leonardo's Future Combat Air programme and its objectives. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under uncertainty. Think of specific instances where you've identified inefficiencies and turned them into actionable plans, as this will showcase your proactive approach.
