Lead Systems Engineer - RF Self Protection Systems

Your impact

We are looking for a Lead Systems Engineer to help develop the next generation of RF Self-Protection Systems. You'll be at the forefront of creating cutting-edge Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) technologies and techniques for use on drones, rotary, and fixed-wing platforms—protecting assets in the most challenging and hostile operational environments.

This is your opportunity to play a key role in advancing mission survivability and electronic warfare capability within a world-class engineering team.

As a Lead Systems Engineer, you will:

• Work closely with stakeholders to define system-level requirements based on operational needs
• Identify opportunities for reuse and cost savings by collaborating with parallel programmes
• Lead system integration and demonstration activities in collaboration with the customer
• Influence system and subsystem design, ensuring robust requirements and clear paths to compliance and acceptance
• Produce clear, high-quality engineering documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Manage and deliver complex systems engineering work packages through to completion

You’ll be central to bringing advanced ECM solutions to life, helping to ensure platform survivability and operational effectiveness in increasingly complex threat environments.

What you’ll bring

We're looking for someone with solid experience in systems engineering and a deep understanding of how to manage complexity in high-tech defence projects.

• A track record of leading engineering design work through the full lifecycle—from concept through to verification and delivery
• Strong technical leadership and communication skills, with an ability to work across functional boundaries
• Proven experience in developing Military RF systems and/or Electronic Warfare technologies
• Confidence in applying systems thinking to define problems, develop architectures, and guide integration
• Experience with verification and validation activities on complex systems
• Familiarity with working alongside key disciplines such as safety, security, and reliability to ensure robust, mission-ready solutions

This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on platform survivability—join us in shaping the future of electronic warfare.

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). 

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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