Job Description:

Your impact

Are you an experienced Principal or Lead Systems Engineer ready to further develop your expertise and work on the most advanced electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems in the world? At Leonardo, we are looking for professionals who can apply their expertise to deliver the current phase of the Laser Direct Energy Weapons (LDEW) System project. 

We are seeking a Principal/Lead Systems Engineer to lead Integration, Test, and Trials Support for the LDEW DragonFire MDC System.

What you’ll do

You will work on the LDEW DragonFire MDC project, contributing to the following areas:

• Lead the Integration, Test, and Trials Planning activities, liaising with stakeholders within the integrated project team.
• Draft plans, schedules, and review test procedures, confirming test acceptance parameters.
• Report to the Project Engineering Lead and Project Engineering Manager.
• Apply and improve systems engineering processes across integration, test, and trials.
• Collaborate with the integrated project team to build, test, deliver, and support LDEW equipment for trials at industrial partner’s establishments.

What you’ll bring

We are seeking Principal or Lead Systems Engineer with experience in applying systems engineering within an EO/IR environment, with demonstrated experience in at least some of these essential skillsets:

• Systems Engineering: Requirements capture and management, Integration and Test, Trials, Verification and Validation, experience of systems engineering across the full engineering lifecycle.
• Domain specialisms: Extensive knowledge of EO/IR systems, especially lasers and laser technologies, control systems and navigation, imaging, detection, and tracking.
• Technical expertise with tools and methods: Systems engineering methods, tools (DOORS, MS Project, MATLAB, Cameo etc.) and processes, strong numerical, analytical, and critical-thinking skills supporting systems thinking.

Whether you meet every requirement or bring experience from related fields, if you are interested in helping deliver one of the world's most advanced LDEW systems, we encourage you to apply.

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!

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