Lead Security Specialist in Southampton

At Leonardo’s Mission Systems sector, we don’t just keep pace with the future — we help define it. We ensure seamless interoperability with partners, allies, UK MOD and NATO. We’re on the lookout for a Lead Security Engineer with a passion for protecting cutting-edge technology and driving Secure by Design principles into the heart of our innovations and product. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact on national security and global defence, we want to hear from you.

Location: Basildon, Southampton, Luton or Bristol (on-site up to 4 days per week)

Travel: Occasional travel to UK and overseas customers, suppliers and other Leonardo sites

What You’ll Do:

• You’ll lead the way in ensuring our systems and products meet the highest standards of security assurance, collaborating with some of the brightest engineers in software, systems, and electronics.
• Drive Security Assurance through the full product lifecycle, ensuring every design is robust, compliant, and resilient.
• Develop and manage security protocols, tools, and processes that keep our technologies ahead of emerging threats.
• Provide independent Information Assurance (IA) reviews and risk assessments on a variety of complex, high-impact projects.
• Contribute to Leonardo’s UK-wide Security and IA community — shaping best practice and influencing security strategy.
• Create and manage key artefacts such as Security Management Plans, Risk Assessments, and Remediation Action Plans.

What You’ll Bring:

• We’re looking for an experienced professional who thrives on solving complex problems and has a proven track record in managing product security for highly regulated systems.

Skills:

• Expertise in conducting risk assessments, applying security controls, and developing IA documentation.
• Ability to interpret penetration test findings and create remediation action plans.
• Awareness of UK Government Assurance frameworks.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering (or related field).
• Certification such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Substantive experience in product security.
• Hands-on experience with risk management frameworks and best practice like NIST SP800-37, ISO27001, and Secure by Design.

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.
• 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.