Principal Systems Engineer

Job Description:

Are you a results driven Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the UKs Defence Industry and making impactful change? We are recruiting for a Principal Systems Engineer in our growing Modular Integrated Protection Systems team, working on real engineering problems, designing and developing solutions that sit at the heart of our products.

Your impact

Working as a member of a system integration and test team to deliver high quality, robust hardware and software solutions that meets customer requirements, on time and within budget.

Duties include:

• Develop test and trials strategies, write and conduct associated test procedures and document test results.
• Support the integration between Inboard and Outboard equipment and between Leonardo and third-party equipment.
• Support the wider Integration, Verification, Validation and Qualification activities required to introduce MIPS system solutions into trials.
• Support Customer Acceptance activities prior to offsite delivery.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in applying governance and guidance on Systems Engineering LCM process

• Experience working in Integrated Project Teams delivering Engineering artefacts successfully

• Experience in managing and collaborating with internal/external stakeholders

• Experience in providing Systems Integration Support

• Experience in either Radar Integration, Electro Optics Integration, Effector Integration or Vehicle Integration

• Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, proven ability to build trust and respect at different levels

The following experience/skills are very desirable;

• Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Model Based Design (MBD) tools and methodologies to support describing and analysing through the problem to implementation domains. Experience with Cameo System Modeller and IBM Rhaposdy.

• Networking experience, knowledge of TSN

• Knowledge of DDS Middleware

• Experience in creating and defining architectures – able to describe methods and techniques for optimization and managing the trade-offs from constraints

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

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.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

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.

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!

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Primary Location:

GB - Basildon

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid