At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop cutting-edge Electro-Optics/InfraRed technologies for the UK's Defence Industry.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on exciting and complex projects.
- Qualifications: STEM education with experience in EO/IR technologies and systems engineering.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Systems Engineer or Scientist who loves contributing to the UKs Defence Industry and making impactful change? We are recruiting for Senior and Principal Systems Engineers in our growing Detectors Area of Business in Southampton, who can apply their expertise to deliver cutting-edge Electro-Optics/InfraRed (EO/IR) capabilities across a diverse range of projects.
Your Impact
Our Systems Engineers span across a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system. As a Systems Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable. What we build is exciting, interesting, challenging and complex. A diverse product portfolio of EO/IR technologies, with each programme at a different stage in its development lifecycle.
Typical work you might be involved in:
- Applied research: Early research looking into exploiting new EO/IR technologies or concepts.
- Requirements capture, definition, development, modelling, manufacture, test, and verification of EO/IR technologies.
- Applying and improving systems engineering processes across the full lifecycle.
- Collaborating with integrated project teams to design, build, and deliver EO/IR equipment.
To be successful you will demonstrate passion for your trade by instilling a systems-thinking approach based on experience forming and leading high performing teams. You will be able to influence those you work with, thrive in dynamic environments, demonstrate resilience when faced with adversity and able to make decisions quickly under pressure and setting a clear technical vision for the project team.
Given the extensive people engagement nature of the work, we are still able to offer custom working that allows for a combination of home and on-site working i.e. flexible working delivering effective results.
What you’ll bring
You will be educated within a STEM area and have proven domain experience in EO/IR technologies, with the following attributes:
- Requirements capture and management, System definition and development, Modelling and analysis, Verification and validation, Full engineering lifecycle application.
- Experience with Model Based Design (MBD) tools and methodologies to support describing and analysing through the problem to implementation domains.
- Experience working in product development teams delivering Engineering artefacts successfully.
- Experience in managing and collaborating with internal/external stakeholders.
- Proven decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, proven ability to build trust and respect at different levels.
- Motivation, tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver outputs and results.
The following experience/skills are very desirable:
- Working experience and/or understanding of electronics design.
- PhD, EngD or Post-graduate degree in electro-optics.
- Practitioner level ability using Model Driven Engineering tools e.g. Cameo Systems Modeler, MATLAB, Simulink.
- Experience in using a requirement management tool to manage relationships of requirement and other project artefacts (DOORS, Polarion, Jama).
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!
Primary Location: GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior / Principal Systems Engineer in Southampton employer: Leonardo
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about the Defence Industry. Our Southampton location offers a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, with extensive opportunities for professional growth through tailored training programmes and flexible working arrangements. With a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises employee wellbeing and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Systems Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Leonardo or in the defence industry on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially around EO/IR technologies. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex problems in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've contributed to high-performing teams and how you approach challenges with a systems-thinking mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining us at Leonardo.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Systems Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your expertise in EO/IR technologies and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bridge the gap between theory and practice!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your systems-thinking approach and how you’ve led high-performing teams.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in dynamic environments. We love candidates who can make quick decisions under pressure, so share those experiences that demonstrate your resilience and determination.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your EO/IR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Electro-Optics and InfraRed technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've applied these concepts, as this will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Systems Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your systems-thinking approach. Think about times when you successfully bridged the gap between theoretical ideas and practical implementation, especially in high-performance systems.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples from past experiences to illustrate how you've built trust and respect with stakeholders at various levels.
✨Be Ready for Dynamic Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills in complex environments. Prepare to discuss situations where you had to make quick decisions under pressure, highlighting your resilience and ability to thrive in dynamic settings.
