Project Engineering Lead – Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)

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 Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – Future Generation Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) & Infra-Red Search & Track (IRST) products

We are recruiting for a Project Engineering Lead (PEL). Based on your skills and experience, we’ll match you to the most impactful part of the project where you can thrive and grow.

You will play a major role in defining the engineering elements of joint working and interpret the UK elements of contributing to delivering operational capability.  The PEL will engage a mixed engineering IPT on early lifecycle engineering tasks including Requirements Definition, Concepting, System Development, Modelling and Technology Maturation.

We are looking for a candidate who has both a sound technical background and prior experience in a leadership position. The role will require a skilled leader and experienced systems engineer in order to ensure the IPT is supported and remain focused on delivery.

Key Skills You’ll Use & Develop

• Good depth of knowledge and practical experience of working across different stages of the engineering lifecycle.
• Technical experience & systems engineering skillsets within the context of EO/IR products and defence contracts
• Manage and assess reported system-level issues captured during lab testing, integration and flight trials.
• Lead technical investigations and re-design activities in line with project priorities.
• Produce effective, efficient and realistic plans to deliver the solution and communicate these to Engineering Management 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.
• Work closely with the Engineering Management team and Chief Engineers to make and enact decisions quickly within the project.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with engineers, managers, subject matter experts and customers.
• Lead and motivate a multi-discipline engineering team.
• Ensure your team is equipped and supported to deliver against their commitments.

What else would help

• Experience of following a system change management process.
• The ability to keep track and mange a diverse set of activities with many interactions and dependencies.

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.

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Primary Location:

GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite