At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of autonomy in Vertical Takeoff and Landing systems with innovative technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Work in a modern innovation hub with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects while collaborating internationally.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant fields and programming experience in robotics.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary Range: £53k to £55k
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your impact
Are you ready to help shape the future of autonomy for the Home of British Helicopters? At Leonardo UK Helicopter division we are recruiting for an Autonomy Technologist based at our Yeovil site and with virtual working options. As an Autonomy Technologist, you will be part of our Technology and Innovation, UK group. We are a forward-looking group that has responsibility for setting the future pathways for our UK business and delivering them. This is in collaboration with colleagues from across our global Technology and Innovation network.
We are looking for a technologist that has a curiosity for what Autonomy can do for the future of Vertical Takeoff and Landing systems and an aptitude for developing Autonomy applications. This area of research revolves around the development of technologies that enable crewed, uncrewed systems and crewed-uncrewed teams to operate with increasing independence, from take-off to landing. You will be actively engaged as a member of our international Autonomy team and working on applications across the UK and Italy.
You will have the opportunity to balance virtual and in person working and work out of a latest generation, modern and purpose built innovation hub - iAero Innovation Centre (iaerocentre.co.uk) - that has been designed from the outset for collaborative based innovation and is a leading Aerospace Design and Innovation facility. You will work within a caring and committed team that strives to shape the future. You will also work alongside, share and grow with international colleagues throughout our global Technology and Innovation network.
What you’ll do as Autonomy Technologist:
- Contribute ideas on the Autonomy functions that will have the most significant contribution to air vehicle and mission management.
- Help to define requirements for Autonomy to enhance mission effectiveness and reduce operator workload.
- Stay updated on the latest advancements in autonomy technology and share this knowledge with colleagues across our business.
- Help setup new projects based on your own ideas and with your Autonomy colleagues across UK, Italian, EU and other opportunities.
- Collaborate in the development of Autonomy software applications and test these applications in our nationally leading synthetic environment and on subscale demonstrators.
- Work alongside colleagues in the UK and Italy and participate in project work across geographies.
What you’ll bring:
- Master's degree in a related subject such as Computer Science, Aerospace, Electronics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics. PhD level and BEng with equivalent experience are welcome to apply.
- Experience of main programming languages used in robotics and autonomous systems (e.g., Python, C, C++, Matlab/Simulink).
- Experience developing on embedded computing boards (e.g., Nvidia Jetson, Intel Up).
- Simulation software used in robotics (e.g., Gazebo, Airsim, Unreal, Unity, Isaac Sim).
- An enquiring mind and aptitude to work with uncertainty, shape new solutions and work with teams virtually and in person.
- Willingness and availability for national and international travel.
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 will require National Security Vetting to SC level. It is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. A range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this will 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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- 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 - Yeovil - Lysander Rd
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Autonomy Technologist in Yeovil employer: Leonardo
At Leonardo UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art iAero Innovation Centre in Yeovil. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive professional development resources. Join us to collaborate with a diverse team of innovators dedicated to shaping the future of autonomy in aerospace, while enjoying flexible working options that support a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autonomy Technologist in Yeovil
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Leonardo for a Autonomy Technologist. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Autonomy Technologist in Yeovil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Leonardo, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Leonardo, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Leonardo.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Leonardo. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Leonardo love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
