At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team to enhance PCB/PCA designs and improve supplier performance.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in defence electronics with a rich engineering heritage.
- Benefits: Generous leave, award-winning pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team and make a real impact in the defence sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in leading engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Job Description
Your impact
Are you looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead a skilled team in a time of significant growth in an AESA Radar sector, based in either our Edinburgh or Newcastle offices?
Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers mission-critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare and surveillance across land, sea and air.
The Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business, based across Edinburgh and Newcastle, is uniquely positioned as one of the world's top manufacturers of radars, lasers and infrared countermeasure systems with a rich heritage in engineering, with 100 years of pioneering development.
The Secretary of State for Defence announced the UK European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 production contract during a visit to Leonardo Edinburgh in January 2026.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the ECRS Mk2 programme at an early stage of its lifecycle.
Based in either Edinburgh or Newcastle, you will have the opportunity to influence the successful delivery of equipment to the end user.
We are seeking a Project Engineering Lead (PEL) to lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team responsible for maturing cutting‑edge PCB/PCA designs in the supply chain supporting the ECRS Mk2 Programme.
Reporting directly to the Project Engineering Manager, this role will provide technical and operational leadership across Leonardo and strategic suppliers to improve manufacturing capability, yield, quality, throughput and production readiness.
As the PEL for the Supply Chain Improvement Team you will
- Lead the ECRS Mk2 Supply Chain Improvement Team, providing direction, prioritisation and governance across supplier improvement, manufacturing maturity and industrialisation activities.
- Establish and deliver a strategy for improving supplier quality, yield, throughput, lead time and production readiness.
- Act as the primary engineering interface between Leonardo, strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders advising of improvements to design to aid manufacturing quality, schedule & cost
- Drive root cause investigations and robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Lead regular supplier performance reviews focused on yield, quality, capacity and schedule adherence.
- Conduct supplier assessments, technical reviews and manufacturing readiness evaluations.
- Provide engineering leadership for manufacturing non-conformities and quality issues.
- Work closely with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality and Programme teams.
- Drive Design for Manufacture (Df M), Design for Assembly (Df A) and industrialisation best practice.
- Provide regular updates to the Project Engineering Manager, Chief Engineer, Programme Leadership Team and Head of Programmes.
- What you'll bring
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Electronics, Physics or equivalent technical discipline.
- Experience of leading engineering teams or complex manufacturing, industrialization, NPI or supply chain work packages.
- Experience working with suppliers to improve quality, delivery and manufacturing capability.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Experience leading supplier reviews, audits or performance improvement activities.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to provide structure, focus and momentum within a challenging delivery environment.
- 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).
For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers. uk. leonardo. com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
- Why join us
- 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).
- Rewar
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: leonardocompany
At Leonardo UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge aerospace programmes in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, we provide unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on work-life balance, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Engineering Lead - Supplier Engagement, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to leonardocompany specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at leonardocompany
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with leonardocompany, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like leonardocompany want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
