Digital Engineering Integration Systems Engineer in Southampton

Leonardo Future Combat Air (FCA) are looking for an open minded, collaborative Digital Engineering Integration Systems Engineer 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.

About the Programme

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 makes it essential that a single source of truth (SSoT) is developed for the products.

What you will do

• Work closely with the Digital Engineering Product Owner and wider stakeholders to agree the User Needs/Use Cases for Digital Engineering Capabilities in line with the Digital Engineering Strategy for the GCAP Programme; Decompose User Needs into Digital Engineering Enabling Capabilities as appropriate.
• Ensure alignment with the overall GCAP and internal Leonardo Digital Engineering Capability Roadmaps to achieve an integrated, end‑to‑end product development.
• Work with internal business stakeholders such as the Future Factory and Engineering Function to create a target‑state vision for the Digital Engineering Environment and Digital Thread for GCAP – including Digital Thread definition, PLM/ALM modernisation, Model‑Based Engineering, and connected engineering ecosystems.
• Represent Leonardo as a subject‑matter expert, providing support to industry engagement across GCAP on the wider Digital Engineering topics, liaising with partners to discuss and influence future ways of working on GCAP and planning a Digital Engineering transformation solution across Leonardo.
• Work closely with the Digital Engineering Product Owner, planning proof‑of‑concept and proof‑of‑value demonstrations to provide confidence that the new Digital Engineering services meet the time and cost goals for the GCAP Programme.
• Undertake the required level of planning, requirements and deployment management to ensure Digital Engineering Capability insertions are fully integrated and aligned to the GCAP Programme.
• Work closely with the Digital Engineering Enabler teams to support project implementation and delivery of Digital Engineering services and capabilities into GCAP using a systematic approach.
• Work closely with Future Factory and Digital Engineering Enabler teams to trial and demonstrate the benefit of Digital Engineering Capabilities by testing Digital Engineering Capabilities to meet the current and evolving Programme requirements, providing feedback on improving the usability and quality of Digital Engineering Environments/Digital Threads for the GCAP Programme.

What you’ll bring

• Excellent communication skills with all levels of hierarchy and across cultures.
• Ability to influence and inspire trust in others.
• Ability to work effectively even in the presence of uncertainty.
• Proactive problem‑solver that seeks win‑win solutions.
• Broad engineering experience and a good understanding of engineering functions, projects and processes.
• Familiarity with latest Digital Engineering technologies, methods and trends.
• Strong passion for continuous learning and growth in Digital Engineering.
• Demonstrative experience of building and executing models using engineering tools related to Systems Modelling, PLM, CAD/CAE, Simulation or Requirements Management.
• 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 and full knowledge and experience of other related disciplines.
• 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 often requiring coordination between organisations.
• Understanding of how engineering is delivered by Leonardo UK.
• Experience of all lifecycle phases – 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 could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

For more information and guidance please visit here. As part of the security clearance for this role you must have sole UK nationality to apply.

Why join us?

• 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.

About Leonardo

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!