Leonardo
Principal / Lead Systems Engineer
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Lead/Principal Systems Engineer – Precision Guidance Team
Location: Basildon, Bristol, or Southampton Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site or remote) Contract Type: Permanent
About the Role
Are you a Systems Engineer passionate about the UK Defence Industry and impactful innovation? We’re seeking a Lead/Principal Systems Engineer to join our growing Precision Guidance team, where you’ll design and develop cutting-edge solutions for our diverse product portfolio—ranging from early-stage development to full-scale programmes.
Your Impact
As the Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll:
- Support and enhance the Systems Engineering (SE) capability across our Business Areas
- Provide proactive guidance to senior stakeholders on System Thinking and Methodologies to align with project success
- Work with a dynamic, complex product portfolio, ensuring our teams:
- Fully understand the problems they solve
- Reuse techniques and artefacts efficiently across projects
- Manage complexity through robust system architectures
- Predict and mitigate emergent behaviours at system levels
- Implement effective verification and validation (V&V) strategies
You’ll lead with a systems-thinking mindset, inspire high-performing teams, and deliver clear technical direction under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
- Drive Engineering artefacts and their long-term technical vision
- Act as the focal point for systems engineering governance on projects
- Influence whole-life design considerations (Safety, Security, Manufacture, Test, Supportability)
- Represent Leonardo in SE bodies (e.g., INCOSE)
- Promote Agile SE practices and a culture of experimentation
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Expertise & Collaboration
- Coach teams on SE methods across all lifecycle stages
- Apply concept modelling, simulation, and MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) to inform solutions
- Leverage MBSE and MBD tools for problem-to-implementation analysis
- Industry Domain Knowledge: Desirable expertise in Electro-Optics, Infrared Imaging, Image Processing, Telecommunications, RF, or Electronic Warfare
- Collaborate with UK-based peers to drive continuous SE improvement
What You’ll Bring
Essential Qualifications & Experience
✅ Proven leadership as a Lead/Principal Engineer (or equivalent) with:
- Expertise in Systems Engineering LCM process governance
- Experience in integrated project teams, developing Engineering artefacts
- Strong stakeholder management (internal + external)
- Decision-making in high-complexity, dynamic environments
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
✅ Attitude & Drive:
- Motivation to deliver results in high-pressure environments
- Enthusiasm for systems engineering best practices
Design & Technical Skills
🔹 Experience in defining stakeholder needs → solution functions → constraints (with trade-off decisions) 🔹 Proficiency in Systems Architecture concepts and optimization techniques
(Not exhaustive! Units of merit beyond these are also welcome.)
Security Clearance
This role requires pre-employment security screening in line with:
- UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
- Possibly National Security Vetting (NSV, SC or DV levels)
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Salary Range (Attractive Remuneration Package)
- Principal Engineer: £54,000 – £71,000
- Lead Engineer: £67,000 – £81,000 (Applies based on role grade appointed to)
(Salary bands benchmarked externally and managed transparently.)
Why Join Leonardo?
Comprehensive Benefits
- Balancing Life & Work
- Time to Recharge: Up to 12 additional flexi-days per year
- Secure Future
- Award-winning pension (up to 15% employer contribution)
- Your Wellbeing Matters
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee networks (Enable, Pride, Equalise)
- On-site gym and health checks, bike schemes, and discounted healthcare/dental
- Never Stop Learning
- 4,000+ Coursera/LinkedIn Learning courses on corporate MasterPass
- Flexibility & Rewards
- Flexible working, hybrid options
- Bonus scheme for all management & non-management levels
- Refer a Friend programme with financial rewards
Our Culture
Leonardo is a global leader in defence, aerospace, and security, with 8,500+ employees across the UK. We’re building an inclusive, innovative organisation where diversity drives breakthroughs.
Accessibility Note: If you have accommodation needs during recruitment, please reach out—we’re committed to supporting you.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now!
Primary Location: GB – Basildon | Hybrid: Yes | Permanent
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