Leonardo
R0030266 Principal / Lead Networks Systems Engineer
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Principal / Lead Networking Systems Engineer
Convert your career in network engineering with Leonardo, where you’ll drive innovative projects shaping the UK’s national security. Join us at our dedicated site in Southampton as a Principal / Lead Networking Systems Engineer, contributing to cutting-edge, mission-critical defence technology.
About the Role
As the Principal / Lead Networking Systems Engineer, you’ll:
- Lead technical projects on behalf of Leonardo UK.
- Collaborate in a hybrid working environment (home/office) with on-site responsibilities—spending time in an office and integration laboratory, handling network test equipment, and working within mixed COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) and MOTS (military-off-the-shelf) environments.
- Lead work within the Land and Naval domains, specialising in IP network and virtual environment technologies for naval platforms.
- Progress towards achieving Design Authority status for IP networks and virtual environments.
- Ensure secure, reliable network solutions meet customer requirements across demanding naval applications.
Key Responsibilities
- System engineering for networks and applications on naval platforms across all development phases (concept → deployment).
- Support architectures/design development for current and future systems, including filtering designs to configurements, diagrams, and documentation.
- Using analytical tools to define, execute, and troubleshoot tests on IP-based networks and systems (identifying issues, recommending resolutions).
- Create installation and start-up procedures ensuring customer needs are met.
- Work closely with customers during verification of systems, particularly during validation.
- Maintain sustained support for deployed networks by advising on configuration changes, obsolescence management, and any needed rectifications.
(Post-deployment, customers usually take over day-to-day operations; Leonardo maintains specialist support and technical oversight.)
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Technical expertise in core networking concepts (including TCP/IP, OSI model, common protocols like TCP, UDP, Ethernet).
- Hands-on professional experience with:
- Cisco networking (enterprise and commercial-offs-the-shelf solutions).
- Virtual environments (COTS) and Windows server technologies (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP).
- Network architecture design and technical documentation (validation, test procedures, configuration policies).
- Fault finding, diagnostics, prioritising safe testing practices, and system coordination.
- Demonstrable proficiency comparable to a Cisco CCNA level in COTS networking.
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- Engineering lifecycle management: Experience with core processes across development, validation, testing, and acceptance of security-sensitive systems.
- Knowledge of network security practices, including vulnerabilities and deploying secure configurations.
- Exposure to regulated engineering environments, sensitivity around classified data, and adherence to governance frameworks.
Desirable Additional Experience
(Other skills and competences will be considered, but this reflects ideal candidates)
- Requirements tracking via DOORS or similar tools.
- Virtualisation software backup and recovery experience (VMware, Hyper-V, Hyper-X, etc.).
- Experience with network monitoring/diagnostics, specialised tools like SolarWinds or Wireshark.
- Understanding VPN, Virtual LANs (VLANs), and routing protocols (including OSPF, BGP).
- Hands-on familiarity with Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) server implementations (e.g., RADIUS).
- Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools (e.g., Teamcenter for broader systems).
- Familiarity with military component standards such as DO-178S or MIL-STD safety protocols.
Personal Attributes & Compliance
- Exceptional coachable attitude and eagerness to grow in a dynamic technical field.
- Book smarts + world smarts: Ability to balance complex challenges with team collaboration.
- Proactive approach, willing to learn permissions and vulnerabilities as required by role constraints.
Security Clearance Requirements
This position requires pre-employment security clearance under UK Government standards:
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) qualification.
- Additional security measures under National Security Vetting (NSV) (i.e., meeting eligibility for a Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV)).
- Mandatory requirement: Dual UK residency and citizenship (five-years UK residency + UK passport).
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Further guidance at Leonardo Career Portal.
Salary Range: £50,000 — £80,000 (adjusted based on المجميت WRITING entry point).
Benefits
At Leonardo, we invest in your professional development & well-being, offering:
- Time to Recharge:
- Standard leave entitlement, plus annual accumulation up to 12 flexi-days.
- Secure Your Future:
- Award-winning pension plan, with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters:
- Free mental health and financial support.
- Employee-led networks promoting diversity and inclusion (e.g., optics, pride, veterans groups).
- Rewarding Performance:
- Eligible bonus scheme for management and staff.
- Never Stop Learning:
- Unlimited access to 4,000+ online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning).
- Referral programme rewards through team collaboration.
- Tailored Perks:
- Annual £500 allowance for flexible perks (healthcare, dental, tech memberships, lifestyle).
- Flexible Work Options:
- Hybrid working with tailored part-time arrangements, where relevant.
Official benefits overview: Leonardo Benefits Portal.
About Leonardo
A global defence and aerospace leader, Leonardo UK operates nine UK-wide sites, driven by innovation, security, and safety. Our team is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of aerospace and defence technologies.
Leonardo values inclusion, diversity, and accessibility—we actively support our workforce’s growth. If you have any access needs during the application process, please alert committees ahead of time.
Apply now – your skills matter to our success.
Sites: Southampton (Primary) Contract: Permanent Type: Hybrid opportunities available.
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