Airworthiness Safety Lead - Future Combat Air Systems

Job Description:

Are you an Airworthiness Engineer who would be interested in supporting the development of future combat air systems capability? 

Leonardo is a global leader in defence electronics and delivers systems for situational awareness, electronic defence and surveillance across land, sea and air. Reporting to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Chief Airworthiness Engineer, we’re currently seeking a Lead Airworthiness Safety Engineer to provide guidance on airworthiness regulatory and certification requirements. You will ensure that requirements are understood and met, products are suitable for manufacturing, tolerably safe, secure, fit for purpose and reliable in their intended environment.  

Your responsibilities will include:

• Representing Leonardo in GCAP forums where Airworthiness Certification Safety matters are being investigated, progressed, and associated artefacts developed as an Airworthiness Safety SME.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the UK Military and European Defence Agency EMAR Part 21 Regulatory Environment and develop an understanding of the GCAP partner nation's Regulatory Environments.
• Participate with the GCAP Chief Airworthiness Engineer alongside our international partners within the Domain Engineering and Technical Office (DETO) in the running of the Office of Airworthiness & Qualification.
• Work with the Design Integrity Chief Engineers; and with the Safety and Airworthiness Security leads in each Leonardo Line of Business to ensure a consistent approach is taken.
• Contribute within appropriate Company and Global Electronics Evolution (G2E) Domain working groups to monitor proposed changes to the Regulatory Environment, assess their impact and advise as to appropriate response.
• Working alongside GCAP Edgewing and G2E partners to develop an understanding of and development of a single tri-national approach towards delivery of airworthy systems to support the GCAP.
• Provide input and advice to GCAP product development teams, operating as an airworthiness safety consultant to ensure the Regulatory requirements are understood and met, products are suitable for manufacturing, tolerably safe, secure, fit for purpose and reliable in their intended environment. 
• Identify the requirement, develop and where required deliver training courses and speak with confidence on Regulatory matters, Governance and Certification.
• Review Integrated Project Team Safety Management Plans to ensure they comply with company policy, considering design governance and certification activities.
• Assist other GCAP Enablers Work Pack Product Owners with the identification and delivery of safety related Enablers including but not limited to People, Process, Tools, Technology, Infrastructure and Data.

What you’ll bring: 

• A background in aerospace engineering specialising in airworthiness, with an associated master’s level qualification.
• Proven hands-on experience working with UK Military Aviation Authority or civil equivalents (EASA, CAA, etc) in the airworthiness certification of air systems.  
• Thorough understanding of airworthiness certification processes, including Type Certification, and major/minor change approvals.
• Sound working knowledge of airworthiness regulations e.g. UK MAA MRP, EASA CS-25, Def Stan 00-970, EDA EMAR Part 21, MIL-HDBK-516, etc.
• Previous experience conducting safety assessments using defence and industry standard guidelines e.g. ARP4754B, ARP4761A, Def Stan 00-56, Def Stan 00-55, and associated methodologies e.g. FHA, PSSA, SSA, FMEA, FTA, etc.
• A knowledge of software and complex electronic hardware certification (DO-178C, DO-254, DO-297) and an awareness of the Airworthiness Cyber Security (DO-326A, DO-355A, DO-356A).
•  Experience supporting design reviews, audits, and regulatory compliance meetings.
• Experience interpreting system architectures, interface control documents, and safety critical design artefacts.
• Experience of and exhibit good coaching skills to help product development teams to do their job without taking over and doing the job for them.
• Strong technical writing and reviewing skills for safety reports, compliance documentation, and certification submissions. 
• Prior consulting experience delivering certification or safety services to multiple clients.

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 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!
 

Primary Location:

Additional Locations:

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working: