Senior / Principal Systems Engineer
// Role Summary
Seeking experienced Systems Engineers or Scientists to deliver cutting-edge Electro-Optics/InfraRed (EO/IR) capabilities within the UK Defence Industry. Contribute to innovative projects from research to delivery with flexible working options.
// Key Responsibilities
- Deliver advanced EO/IR capabilities across diverse defence projects.
- Involves applied research, requirements management, and full lifecycle development.
- Requires strong systems-thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills.
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements offered.
- STEM degree and EO/IR domain experience essential.
- BPSS clearance required, with potential for further vetting.
// Role Specification
Senior & Principal Systems Engineer (EO/IR)
Are you an experienced Systems Engineer or Scientist passionate about contributing to the UK's Defence Industry and driving impactful change? We are recruiting for Senior and Principal Systems Engineers to join our growing Detectors Area of Business in Southampton. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your expertise to deliver cutting-edge Electro-Optics/InfraRed (EO/IR) capabilities across a diverse range of challenging and complex projects.
Your Impact
As a Systems Engineer, you will play a crucial role in integrating various engineering and technology strands to create high-performance systems. You will bridge the gap between theoretical possibilities and practical implementation, working with an exciting and diverse product portfolio of EO/IR technologies at different stages of their development lifecycle.
Typical Work Involves:
- Applied research into new EO/IR technologies and concepts.
- Requirements capture, definition, development, modelling, manufacture, test, and verification of EO/IR technologies.
- Applying and improving systems engineering processes throughout the full product lifecycle.
- Collaborating with integrated project teams to design, build, and deliver EO/IR equipment.
Success in this role requires a passion for systems thinking, the ability to form and lead high-performing teams, and strong influencing skills. You should thrive in dynamic environments, demonstrate resilience, and be able to make swift decisions under pressure while setting a clear technical vision.
We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer custom working arrangements, allowing for a combination of home and on-site working through flexible delivery.
What You'll Bring:
- Education in a STEM area with proven domain experience in EO/IR technologies.
- Expertise in requirements capture and management, system definition and development, modelling and analysis, verification and validation, and full engineering lifecycle application.
- Experience with Model Based Design (MBD) tools and methodologies.
- Experience working in product development teams and delivering engineering artefacts.
- Proven ability to manage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong decision-making skills in complex, dynamic environments.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and respect.
- Motivation, tenacity, determination, and a results-oriented approach.
Desirable Experience/Skills:
- Working experience and/or understanding of electronics design.
- PhD, EngD, or Post-graduate degree in electro-optics.
- Practitioner level ability using Model Driven Engineering tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, MATLAB, Simulink).
- Experience using requirement management tools (e.g., DOORS, Polarion, Jama).
We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet all criteria but possess a strong attitude and a 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). Additional Personnel Security Controls (National Security Vetting - NSV) may apply, potentially including eligibility for Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Salary Range:
£44,000 - £71,400
Why Join Us:
At Leonardo, our people are central to our success. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Benefits include:
- Generous leave entitlement with up to 12 additional flexi-days annually.
- Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led inclusion networks.
- Eligibility for a bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
- Free access to over 4,000 online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Financial reward through our refer-a-friend programme.
- Annual flexible benefits allowance (up to £500) for private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
- Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, employing over 53,000 people worldwide, including 8,500 in the UK across 9 sites. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace that values diversity.
Primary Location: GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid