Test Systems Design Engineer in Southampton

Your impact Would you like a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a Defence programme of critical National and International importance, and to help shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK?

The Test Engineer role is a new and exciting one within the Test Environments area of the Future Combat Air Line of Business that will enable Leonardo to meet the challenges of a highly successful and growing business. The role will provide focus on delivering a robust and effective test capability (rigs, full integrated test solutions at all levels, bespoke software development and Test frameworks) in support of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). GCAP will deliver Tempest, the 6th Generation fighter aircraft that will replace the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet, in the 2035 timescales.

Given the nature of the work at this level, we are able to offer some hybrid working, however on-site working is expected for the purposes of collaboration and secure working. Due to the international scope of GCAP, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to travel overseas to work with colleagues in Italy and Japan.

What You’ll Do As a Test Engineer within the Test Environments area of GCAP, you will:

• Provide Test Engineering expertise across many areas of Test Environments including Physical development, Digital development and Real-World application of test capabilities, working with Systems Engineers and other team members to develop a holistic set of test solutions.
• Develop a range of Physical and Synthetic Test Solutions across different levels, to include SRI/LRI, Bench Level integration, Full Systems Integration, Hardware in the Loop and Simulation modelling.
• Gather input from the technical development stakeholders in order to capture their Test Environment requirements in support of the wider programme’s Test, Evaluation and Acceptance Plans, working to define schedules, dependencies, constraints and opportunities.
• Represent Leonardo as a SME for Test Engineering within Test Environments and provide support to industry engagement across GCAP on the wider Test Strategy topics. This includes liaising with international and UK stakeholders to discuss and influence future ways of working on GCAP for Test Environments.
• Work with the team to support a range of synthetic environment trials and enable exploitation into airborne trials, working with stakeholders, including but not limited to Procurement, Future Factory, IT, and many more.
• Bring Test Engineering expertise to bear to implement and deliver Test Environments (processes, methods, tools, technology, people) into GCAP using a systematic approach.

What You’ll Bring We really need you to have experience in the following:

• Proven industry experience in Simulation and Modelling (e.g. Simulink experience)
• A degree in a relevant Science / Technology / Engineering / Maths discipline or similar experience

If you have the following skills in addition to the above, you will really stand out:

• Proven industry experience as a Test Engineer
• Digital Twin Software experience
• Systems process knowledge
• Verification and Validation process knowledge
• Systems engineering lifecycle knowledge

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 - Edinburgh Additional Locations GB - Southampton Contract Type Permanent Hybrid Working Hybrid