Project Engineering Lead

Job Description:

At Leonardo, we solve real-world engineering challenges, designing and developing mission-critical solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced defence and security systems.

Your work will contribute to the joint international development of the next generation Distributed Electro-Optical System (DEOS) for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). GCAP will deliver a next-generation fighter aircraft for the UK, Italy and Japan.

We are recruiting for a Project Engineering Lead (PEL) who has both a sound technical background and prior experience in an engineering leadership position to lead the joint international development of GCAP DEOS, with the programme entering its First International Contract phase in 2026. The role will report to the GCAP DEOS Project Engineering Manager (PEM) and support the Project Chief Engineer and Project Management Team with delivering the projects engineering objectives.

What you’ll do as a Project Engineering Lead

You will play a major role in defining and leading the engineering activities to be delivered by a tri-national joint engineering team, primarily based in Edinburgh. This includes the establishment of a tri-national Joint Systems Team and Joint Concepting Team made up by team members from each of the international partners.

The PEL will engage and lead a multi-disciplinary tri-national integrated project team on early lifecycle engineering tasks, including:

• Lead early lifecycle Systems & Software Engineering activities such as problem space definition, requirements capture, architecture development and performance modelling. This will require engagement with teams across the GCAP enterprise.
• Lead system & sub-system DEOS product concepting including engagement with international partners within Japan and Italy on workshare defined elements.
• Lead system interface definition including platform installation activities and SWAP (Size, Weight and Power) constraints. This will require regular engagement with Edgewing including BAE Systems in the UK to develop installation proposals for a next-generation fighter aircraft.
• Lead configuration control and release of international documents to support regular collaboration with the GCAP international partners as required.
• Support the establishment and documenting of tri-national engineering management arrangements ensuring international alignment on engineering planning and delivery methods.
• Support engagement with the newly formed GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E) consortium including collaboration with the UK led ISANKE domain, on integrating DEOS into the wider system of systems.

Key Skills You’ll Use & Develop

• Strong stakeholder management within a major international defence project.
• Strong ability and practical experience of working across different stages of the engineering lifecycle including early lifecycle development.
• Technical experience & systems engineering skillsets within the context of EO/IR products and defence contracts.
• Manage and assess reported system-level issues related to platform integration, SWAP and performance predictions.
• Produce effective, efficient and realistic plans to deliver the solution and communicate these to the PEM to ensure forward load is correct and resources are available.
• Ensure effective implementation of the company's Lifecycle Management process and project engineering processes are followed.

What else would help

• Experience of working in a significant international defence project
• Experience within a consortium environment and engagement with international partners at a working level.
• The ability to keep track and mange a diverse set of activities with many interactions and dependencies.

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). 

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 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 - Edinburgh

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite