Job Description:
Are you a Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the UKs Defence Industry and making impactful change? We are recruiting for a Lead/Principal Systems Engineer in our growing Precision Guidance team, working on real engineering problems, designing and developing solutions that sit at the heart of our products.
Hybrid working from our sites in Basildon, Bristol or Southampton.
Your impact
As the Principal Systems Engineer you will support the execution Systems Engineering capability and improvement matters across the Business Areas, providing proactive guidance to senior stakeholders on Systems Thinking and Methods for adoption that aligns with successful project execution.
What we build is exciting, interesting, challenging and complex. A diverse product portfolio of technologies, with each programme at a different stage in its development lifecycle.
The focus of this role is the execution of systems engineering activities, and in supporting & providing expertise to ensure:
You will be able to 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. Day to day duties include;
What you’ll bring
You will have proven experience as a Lead or Principal Engineer (or role with similar responsibilities), with the following attributes:
The following experience/skills are very desirable;
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). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Salary Range:
Principal Engineer - £54k - £71k
Lead Engineer - £67k - £81k
Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment.
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.
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.
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 - BasildonContract Type:
PermanentHybrid Working:
Hybrid