At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evaluation of cutting-edge radar systems and drive product maturity.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced defence systems and enhance global safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in radar systems design and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59500 - 75000 £ per year.
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
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. Your work will contribute to the Typhoon radar programme which includes the largest single programme being delivered from the Edinburgh site. Next generation ESCAN radars are now in full scale production and being delivered to our customer on the front-line, where we strive to provide key functionality and capability to meet the customer operational requirements.
We are recruiting for a Lead Systems Engineer to lead the operational evaluation for the Typhoon ECRS Mk0 (ESCAN) radar against the operational Fitness for Purpose (FFP) criteria. FFP is a non-contractual framework that has been agreed between Euroradar and our purchaser, BAESYSTEMS, to aid the prioritisation of System Problem Reports (SysPRs) with the aim of reaching an acceptable level of product maturity against agreed operationally relevant criteria.
The Lead Systems Engineer will lead a team responsible for:
- Product gap analysis against operationally relevant scenarios
- Problem Report identification and sentencing
- Problem Report prioritisation
- Identifying when maturity goals are met
- Supporting compliance statements against the Specification
- Co-ordinate the agile ‘on-train’ maturity assessment activities through the Product Manager and technical leadership team, which will be delivered by those SMEs
- Planning and presentation of maturity point reviews with key internal and external stakeholders
- Identifying clear gaps in product maturity and support the sentencing of SySPRs
As Lead Systems Engineer, you will work within the Typhoon delivery sector, leading and co-ordinating the Leonardo UK Systems Engineering activity for evaluating the Mk0 radar product maturity for the Entry-Into-Service product. There are two software development releases planned to deliver an operationally capable radar that meets the specification. The candidate will need to be highly motivated and able to define and lead activities for producing maturity metrics and analysis tools to present product maturity to the Chief Engineer and Technical Director to ensure that we focus on the correct changes to meet FFP and compliance objectives. This role presents an opportunity to be at the heart of the success of the Typhoon ECRS Mk0 Radar System, achieving customer satisfaction with this product. This role is pivotal to the reputation and the future business winning success for Leonardo. In the role you will report to the Leonardo UK Chief Systems Engineer.
Key Skills:
- Experience of Radar Systems Design and/or Qualification at a Lead Engineer level
- Familiarity with the principles of Pulsed Doppler radar waveform design and signal processing implementation
- Familiarity with the principles of Radar tracking and trade-offs against supporting detection schemes
- Experience of certification to recognised standards including experience in Integration, Test, Evaluation and Acceptance (ITEA)
- Experience of data analysis from radar flight trials
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to obtain SC security clearance and work within UKEO and US ITAR TAA restrictions
- Experience of working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders of varying seniorities, with a demonstrable ability to make, and help teams make, timely decisions
What else would help:
- A 2:1 or higher in a relevant engineering or science-based honours degree
- Chartered Engineer status is desirable
- Experience of the application of the regulatory environment for airborne products, e.g. MAA, EASA
- Experience of delivering training and awareness courses
- Experience with any of the following tools: Matlab, Simulink, Siemens Teamcenter, IBM DOORS
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).
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. Be part of something bigger - apply now!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer in Old Town
✨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 Lead Systems Engineer. 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 Systems Engineer in Old Town
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.
