Lead Systems Engineer - Digital Engineering in Luton

Your Impact: Leonardo Future Combat Air (FCA) are looking for open minded, collaborative Digital Engineering Integration Product Owner with a breadth of experience to help deliver and integrate the Digital Engineering/Digital Thread Enabling Capabilities required to support the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Design and Development phase. GCAP is an international collaboration between the UK, Japan and Italy developing a 6th generation Future Combat Air platform that will enter service in the mid 2030’s. In the UK, this platform is known as Tempest and will replace the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet. Leonardo UK (LEUK) plays a leading role in the development and delivery of airborne sensors and communications capabilities for GCAP. Fundamental to delivering these capabilities is the provision of the right tools, capability and facilities. GCAP is an International and collaborative programme, and the Operating Framework make it essential that a Single Source of Truth (SSoT) is developed for the products.

What you will do: As the Digital Engineering Integration Product Owner for GCAP, you will:

• Be the Product Development Lead for the Digital Engineering Integration team that will help modernise and optimise LEUK’s approach to end-to-end product development on GCAP.
• Be accountable for delivering the Digital Engineering Integration Programme Backlog, leading specialist scrum teams.
• Work closely with the Enablers Chief Systems Engineer to lead the definition of future-state Digital Engineering Capabilities.
• Own the Digital Engineering Capability Product Roadmap which includes identifying Digital Engineering Capabilities and demonstrating measurable value.
• Be responsible for liaising with GCAP Industry Partners to ensure the needs of the Programme are understood and actioned.
• Apply problem definition to identify inefficiencies, capability gaps, and opportunities for Digital Engineering Capabilities.
• Translate strategic objectives from the GCAP Digital Engineering Strategy into actionable transformation roadmaps and technology implementation plans.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, facilitate executive level discussions on Digital Engineering Capabilities, and drive alignment across GCAP Industry Partners through to LED UK cross-functional teams.
• Work closely with the internal Future Factory and Engineering Function to shape and deliver complex Digital Engineering Capabilities.
• Support the Digital Engineering Integration – Project Engineering Lead to produce effective, efficient and realistic plans to deliver Digital Engineering Integration Capabilities.

What you’ll bring:

• Excellent communication skills with all levels of hierarchy and across cultures.
• Ability to influence and inspire trust in others.
• A strong background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering.
• The ability to work effectively even in the presence of uncertainty.
• Proactive problem solving approaches that seek win-win solutions.
• Significant engineering experience on large, complex programmes.
• A breadth of engineering experience and a good understanding of engineering functions, projects and processes.
• Familiarity with latest Digital Engineering Technologies, Methods and Trends.
• Demonstrable experience of building and executing models using engineering tools related to Systems Modelling, PLM, CAD/CAE, Simulation or Requirements Management.
• Experience of Agile/Scrum Development Methodologies.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment.

It would be nice if you had:

• Proven technical expertise and management on Defence programmes.
• Knowledge and experience of Digital Engineering/Digital Threads and Digital Twins.
• Understanding of financial management and impacts on programmes.
• Experience in a “customer facing” role.
• Experience of interaction with senior external personnel on significant engineering matters.
• Understand how engineering is delivered by Leonardo UK.
• Have experience of all lifecycle phases i.e. Development, Manufacture and Support.

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 will include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC). For more information and guidance please visit: As part of the security clearance for this role you must have sole UK nationality to apply.

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.

• 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.

If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now.