Leonardo
Antenna Architecture Lead

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Antenna Architecture Lead
**Electronics Engineer – AESA Antenna Architects (Radar & Advanced Targeting) |
About the Role
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range for this role (£60,000–£84,995) reflects the approved grade band (or narrower hiring range) and is externally benchmarked. Exceptions above the standard range are governed for internal equity.
Would you like to shape the future of radar systems by developing **Active Electronically Scanned Array (**AESA) antenna architectures? At Leonardo, we lead global defence electronics innovation, delivering critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, and surveillance across land, sea, and air. Our Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business in Edinburgh is among the world’s top manufacturers of radars, lasers, and infrared countermeasure systems.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
As an experienced Electronics Engineer in this architecture-design role, you will:
- Develop and assess new antenna architecture concepts for next-gen AESA radar systems.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, particularly digital capability expansion and scalable antenna product line drivers. -Embed design reuse, modularity, and commonality to minimise non-recurring and recurring engineering costs.
- Engage with suppliers and strategic partners to support all AESA development programmes.
- Collaborate with radar-level Systems Teams and LRI/SSRI Leads, ensuring system compatibility through:
- Effective issue tracking and resolution.
- Design review stages.
- Work closely with the AESA CDT Chief Engineer to track and report:
- Antenna LRI key performance parameters.
- Hierarchy of LRI documentation (requirements, decision records, models, etc.).
- Verification and validation evidence including:
- Electromagnetic performance models.
- RF and power chain models.
- Control and timing behavioural models.
- Interface control documents (mechanical, hardware, functional/protocol).
- Maintain Built-In Test (BIT) control definitions, test plans, and compliance evidence.
- Fostering lean methodologies (e.g., Fail Fast, Learn Fast) through rapid prototyping.
- Mentoring newer engineers and supporting Systems Team Lead in delivering the antenna system technical solution.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
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Why you're a good match
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Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Your Qualifications and Experience
- Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant STEM discipline (e.g., electronics, electrical engineering, physics).
- Proven expertise in LRI hardware digital architecture design across:
- RF signal generation.
- Radar system acquisition.
- Emphasis on complex playback scenarios.
- Passion for experimental, pragmatic, and iterative approaches—with a willing mind for FPS/LFA testing.
- Strong ability to bridge gaps across teams via comprehensive technical documentation.
- Collaboration mindset, balancing internal stakeholder needs with external customer engagement (occasional).
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment UK government vetting, which may include:
-
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). (Eligibility criteria: citizenship verification, fraud/criminal history check, credit rating review).
-
The following enhanced vetting levels may apply:
- The Security Check (SC): Checks corroborate honesty and reliability.
- Developed Vetting (DV): Extends investigations to Knowledge, Occupational, Contact, and Global Awareness (KOCGA).


Get help with your application
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For full details, visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting.
Why Join Leonardo?
At Leonardo, we take pride in placing people at the heart of our mission. Our benefits are designed to empower you in all areas of life:
• Flexible Health & Well-being
- Competitive salary set by market agreements and bonus eligibility for management/employees.
- 12 flexi-days leave accrue annually.
- Free mental health support, financial advice, and employee-run groups (e.g., mental health, inclusion networks).
• Future Security
- Award-winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
- Long-term bonus pool open to all management-level employees.
• Continuous Growth
- Global STEM-driven innovation hub with leadership positions.
- 4,000+ free courses courtesy of Coursera + LinkedIn Learning.
- Fellowships, mentorship and leadership training opportunities.
• Inclusivity & Innovation
- Commitment to an accessible, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
- Over 53,000 employees worldwide, 8,500 across 9 UK sites.
- State-of-the-art facilities in industry hubs like Edinburgh.
Flexible Working Arrangements We embrace a hybrid model (with options for part-time). Talk with us about role design—our aim is to balance innovation and work-life flexibility.
Join Us!
You’ll become part of a dynamic, collaborative team making an impact. Whether you’re a young engineer or seasoned expert, your skills will shape tomorrow’s technology.
Let’s create the future—apply now! 🚀
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