At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge electronics for next-gen Electronic Warfare systems.
- Company: Join a global leader in advanced technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of electronics while making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in hardware design and a passion for high-performance electronics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
What would you work on if you could shape the electronics at the heart of next‑generation Electronic Warfare and advanced sensing systems? Based primarily at our Luton and Bristol sites, you’ll work on mission‑critical electronics that operate in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. Hybrid working is supported, though on‑site presence (typically 3–4 days per week) may flex with programme needs.
What you will do as a Hardware Engineer working on EW and FCA programmes:
- Own and influence hardware designs across the full lifecycle — from system requirements and architecture through detailed design, test, integration and customer delivery.
- Design and develop complex, high‑performance electronics including high‑speed digital and mixed‑signal PCBs.
- Lead or significantly contribute to design reviews, trade studies and technical decision‑making.
- Collaborate daily within multi‑disciplinary teams spanning systems, firmware, software, RF and manufacturing.
As experience and influence grow, engineers naturally move into Principal or Lead roles, shaping system and hardware architecture, setting technical direction and guiding design standards. Those at Principal / Lead level play a visible role in mentoring and developing others, influencing programme decisions and representing hardware engineering at a system level.
Proven industry experience as a Senior, Principal or Lead Hardware Engineer.
- High‑speed digital electronics.
- Mixed‑signal or high‑performance analogue design.
- Power electronics / low‑noise power architectures.
- Strong understanding of Design for EMC/EMI in demanding environments.
- Experience integrating hardware, firmware and software into working platforms.
- Comfortable working within a structured hardware development lifecycle and configuration‑controlled environment.
- Background in automotive, medical, aerospace or high‑reliability industrial electronics.
- Experience with low‑noise analogue design, power supplies or signal integrity.
- Use of model‑driven engineering approaches.
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.
- 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. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. 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 Hardware Design Engineers (Permanent) in Luton
✨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.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
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.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
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 Hardware Design Engineers (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 Hardware Design Engineers (Permanent) in Luton
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.
