Principal Systems Engineer (RF)

Our Systems Engineers work in multidisciplinary teams spanning a range of activities pulling together the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system, bridging the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable.

Early concept studies investigating the application of new technology on future platforms

Engaging with stakeholders, defining requirements for a new system

Conducting cost and functional performance trade-offs and evaluation of proposed solutions

Enhancing capabilities and performance of in-service systems

Designing and integrating new functionality into an existing system

Modelling a system to understand observed simulated performance

Development of capability within limitations and constraints of the target hardware

Root-cause analysis of anomalies observed during integration or evaluation activities

Designing and conducting testing and trials to prove equipment function and performance

Opportunities to lead technical activities and initiatives

Mentoring and coaching other engineers

Creating and delivering reports, presentations and proposals to customers and industry partners

Supporting knowledge sharing and exploitation of good practice

A science-based Honours degree or equivalent experience

Industrial or academic research experience

Mathematical Background in data analysis and pattern matching

Experience in design of algorithms for embedded real-time systems

Knowledge of Sensor Fusion technologies and strategies

Experience or a desire to gain electronic warfare domain knowledge

A desire to further your engineering knowledge through training, team working and mentoring

Knowledge of the systems engineering lifecycle, particularly in the following areas:

Problem definition

Systems Architecture

Synthetic Environments

Systems Modelling and Analysis

Integration

Verification and Validation

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

It would be desirable if you had experience from some of the following:

Experience of working with related specialisms such as safety, security, or reliability

Knowledge of operation of threat systems

Working understanding of C++

Domain-specialist knowledge such as:

Digital signal processing

RF systems

Real time data simulation/generation

Military Electronic systems

Data analysis using AI or Machine Learning

Operational Experience in Electronic Intelligence or 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

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), along with an additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV), including 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. Due to the nature of the work and its connections to UK Defence strategy, applicants must have five years UK Residency and hold a UK Passport.

Senior Engineer £45k - £60k

Principal Engineer £55k - £70k

Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

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.

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