Graduate Systems Engineer (CS3)

Your impact  

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?    

At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Systems Engineer to join our team within the Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) line of business. The CS3 line of business operates across the UK, providing innovative and invaluable support solutions to our customers. We help to ensure the availability of front-line capability wherever and whenever required. 

We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for professional development.   

Our 18-month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside subject matter experts. 

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You’ll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.  

There are several Graduate Systems Engineering roles available in CS3 – your role will cover one or more of the following areas: 

• Support Solution Design: Conceptual design and development of new support solutions and services, including those for Typhoon and Team Tempest. 

• Technical Support: Hands-on testing and repair of some of our in-service equipment, across helicopters and fast jets. You will be able to work on electronic-based systems, as well as associated test equipment. 

• CS3 Engineering Capability Development: Carrying out cross-cutting activities to improve the services that we can offer to customers. This may include new technologies, data and information exploration, and developing different approaches to support . 

As part of the application process, you will have the opportunity to explore which areas would be the best fit for you. 

As a Graduate Systems Engineer CS3, you will receive coaching and support from your team, including our dedicated CS3 Early Careers Manager, to achieve your objectives as well as your personal development goals. You will also be supported through your preferred route for chartership, and there will be opportunities to get involved in STEM activities with local schools and universities. 

This role can be based at either our Luton or Edinburgh site. It is likely to include travel, both within the UK and possibly also abroad, to provide in-person support to our customers. Leonardo also operates a Custom (hybrid) working model that allows our employees to split their time between attending the workplace and working remotely. 

Key Responsibility Areas 

• Use technical expertise to solve problems, generate ideas and be pro-active within the team. 

• Develop practical skills in engineering design, development and verification for complex solutions, understanding key processes and technologies. 

• Develop and apply your academic knowledge to undertake various activities across the engineering lifecycle, delivering to agreed performance targets, including cost and schedule. 

• Work closely with engineers across multiple disciplines. 

• Visualise and understand customer problems. 

• Capture and manage customer requirements. 

• Data analysis, modelling, visualisation and dashboard development. 

• Complete tasks to a high standard and in accordance with appropriate processes and procedures. 

• Take an active role in engineering process improvement. 

• 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. 

What you’ll bring  

We would like to hear from you if you have a combination of the following: 

• All of our roles require (a) a minimum of a 2:2 Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as a MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline, including Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or other STEM subject. 

• Passion for engineering. 

• Self-motivation with an aptitude for problem solving and an ability to drive difficult issues to conclusion. 

• Ability to work with minimum direction or supervision on complex tasks. 

• Ability to apply big-picture thinking to look at problems as a whole. 

• Strong collaboration and inter-personal skills, and the ability to interact with subject matter experts regarding a range of technical and operational topics. 

• Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver high quality work. 

• Confidence and ability to challenge and respond to technical or process issues. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience of creating documentation and presentations. 

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) will apply, this would 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, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.   

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 are eligible for our bonus scheme.  

• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.  

• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.  

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, communities 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!