Leonardo
Solution Architect - Land CEMA
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Solutions Architect – Land CEMA
Leonardo’s global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security is seeking a Solutions Architect in the UK Defence Industry to drive impactful change within Defence Communications and Cyber & Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA). This hybrid role (based at Southampton, Basildon, or Bristol) offers a strategic opportunity to shape the future of Land CEMA solutions for UK and international customers.
About the Role
As a Solutions Architect, you’ll take a highly influential role to deliver Leonardo’s business strategic objectives within the Land CEMA portfolio. This pivotal role requires shaping enterprise and system-level solution designs to create resilient, modular, and scalable solutions that meet future customer and operational needs.
Join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team at the intersection of strategy, engineering, and business development, where your expertise will drive technical leadership, competitive bids, and enduring stakeholder relationships. Key focus areas include:
- Maintaining high awareness of Land CEMA Architecture (LCA) standards and delivering enterprise/system-level capabilities for interoperability.
- Balancing bespoke development and COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) integration for optimal technical and commercial strategy.
- Leading bid/campaign technical input (commentator, luminary, or subject matter expert) across cost modelling, requirements engineering, and architectures.
- Engaging with customers, partners, and stakeholders to translate operational needs into viable solutions and drive innovation through thought leadership.
- Supporting talent acquisition, mentoring future engineers, and representing Leonardo internationally to expand market influence.
This opportunity is ideal for a proactive, technically adept, and commercially astute professional with a passion for defence innovation.
Your Impact
Key responsibilities include:
- Technical & Strategic Leadership:
- Defining enterprise and system architectures to align with LCA (STICS) standards, SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture), and military C5ISR/EW systems.
- Shaping celebratory-level technical direction to ensure alignment with future defence priorities.
- Producing cost estimates, risk assessments, and competitive architecture solutions for bids and commercial proposals.
- Collaborating with internal/external teams on principle validation (PV), capability management, and solution scoping.
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Customer Engagement:
- Translating customer operational needs into technical solutions through clear, collaborative dialogues.
- Representing Leonardo externally to refine thought leadership, influence defence programmes, and build long-term business relationships.
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Talent & Organisation Development:
- Mentoring engineers and driving cultural adoption of leadership and innovation.
- Leading internal/presentations and fostering engagement across multiorganizational teams.
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Global Representation:
- Strengthening international partnerships and reputation through knowledge-sharing and collaborative projects.
What You’ll Bring
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM subject (engineering, physics, computer science, cybersecurity, etc.).
- Proven Solutions Architect or equivalent senior engineering/architecture experience in Defence Communications, CEMA, EW, or C5ISR systems.
- Extensive experience in:
- Developing communications, EW, and/or vehicle mission systems architectures across the entire product system lifecycle (concept to disposal).
- Interacting with senior stakeholders (commercial and technical) to understand and communicate requirements.
- Estimating costs and technical risks for various solution approaches.
- Familiarity with open standards and architectures, such as:
- Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA)
- Land CEMA Architecture (LCA Namha Standard)
- GVA (General Vehicle Architecture), OpenVPX, MORA (Modular Open RFA)
- Experience with:
- Military ESD/EW systems; command & control networks (C2).
- User requirements capture & traceability (formal methods, tools like Cameo, Rhapsody, or System Architect).
- Military/ESD build methods and improvement from competitive tenders.
- *Startup security vetting (*Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
Preferred & Essential Attributes
- Ability to articulate technical needs in terms customers understand and drive meaningful problem-solving.
- Strong analytical, design, mathematical, and creative thinking skills.
- Proven records of engineering innovation, strategic foresight, and critical evaluation of present situations and future trends.
- Demonstrated ability to:
- Set short-term goals tied to long-term strategy.
- Influence and inspire without direct authority.
- Collaborate effectively in multiorganizational teams.
- Engage and effectively challenge requirements and assumptions (even when ambiguous).
- Drive results through actionable ideas while fostering trust and transparency.
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Security Clearance
This position requires UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), with possible additional National Security Vetting (NSV). Pre-employment screening applies, including standard checks. For details, see: Leonardo UK Security & Vetting.
Why Join Leonardo?
At Leonardo, we make innovation possible. Join a diverse, inclusive team committed to defence technology excellence.
Your growth is our priority. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package featuring:
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Work-Life Flexibility:
- £67,000–£97,500 salary (grade-based banding, subject to approved grades).
- 12+ days’ flexi-leave (annually).
- One of UK’s best hybrid roles; flexible working options.
- Support for part-time or tailored working arrangements.
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Holistic Wellbeing & Financial Security:
- Company-sponsored award-winning pension (up to 15% employer match).
- Free mental health support, financial advice, and employee networks championing inclusion & diversity (Enable, Pride, Wellbeing & Ethnicity).
- £500 discretionary benefits (private healthcare, dental, gym, tech discounts).
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Career & Intellectual Growth:
- Free access to Coursera and LinkedIn Learning’s library.
- 3% bonus scheme for eligible employees.
- Thought leadership opportunities to shape future programmes.
Leonardo is a true leader in technological evolution, global safety, and national security. With 9 UK locations spanning 8,500+ talent, your contribution builds a lasting legacy. In an inclusive environment, we celebrate innovation, ambition, and culture every day.
Locate & Apply
- Primary location: Basildon (GB) Alternative:* Bristol or Southampton (unspecified) amd Coldharbour Lane, Leicester Contract type: Permanent Working style: Hybrid
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