Head of Product Security & Assurance in Southampton

Your Impact

Do you want to play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity and security of our products?

Our Electronics Warfare (EW) and Future Combat Air (FCA) Design Integrity team are seeking a Head of Product Security. This is a pivotal role reporting directly to the Chief Engineer of Design Integrity. You’ll provide independent product security and legislative assessor assurance to make sure that requirements have been adequately defined for product development, product plans will achieve contractual and company requirements, as well as assurance of claims and evidence for products. As Head of Product Security, your expertise and vision will ensure robust governance, the sharing of best practice, and consistent, high‑quality security outcomes across our programmes. This role is working on a hybrid basis (3x days per week on site) and can be based on our following sites: Luton, Lincoln, Southampton, and Bristol.

Responsibilities

• Operate as the Security signatory on behalf of the company.
• Liaison with Security Accreditors and Security Assurance Coordinators in support of security accreditation.
• Participate in Product Security Panels as a specialist advisor to manage and resolve security incidents.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of security legislation.
• Participate in company working groups to monitor proposed changes to the legislative environment.
• Provide input and advice to the product development teams.
• Operate as a consultant to promote security culture within Leonardo working with Security teams to ensure secure working practices are maintained.
• Develop and deliver training courses and speak with confidence on Product Security and Information Assurance matters.
• Perform audits of internal and external/subcontract teams assuring that security and Information Assurance requirements are achieved.

What You’ll Bring

• Hands‑on experience of developing robust security risk management system for complex high‑integrity electronics systems.
• Familiarity with legislation – e.g. IPA, DPA, Official Secrets Act.
• Registered NCSC Certified Professional at lead level, or equivalent NCSC recognised qualification.
• Knowledge of UK/NATO Information Assurance standards, procedures & systems, including HMG Security Policy Framework, ISO security standards, DO326A.
• Familiarity with the principles of incident investigation and how to implement an investigation process.
• Practical experience of NCSC and Common Criteria security evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of current Crypto technologies, Key Management Systems & practical COMSEC implementations.
• Regularly delivered training courses within a company and delivered awareness presentations to other groups.
• Awareness of product security implications relating to safety.
• A background in design implementation of high‑integrity complex electronics, such as Software design to DO178C level C, Complex Electronics hardware up to DO254 Level.
• Experience in delivery and maintenance of products to meet regulatory requirements, e.g. MAA DAOS, ARP4754.
• Understanding of the role of advisory boards within the UK Government or NATO for security.

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).

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. 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 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. 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!