Lead test systems engineer

Salary

£59,400 to £84,955

Overview

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.

Your impact: Are you motivated by delivering the best test capability possible in support of a range of military platforms both nationally and internationally? Does the sound of Typhoon, Saab Gripen and other exciting avionic platforms interest you? At Leonardo, we have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Lead Systems Test Engineer to join our team within the Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) Line of Business. CS3 operates across the UK and overseas, supporting critical technologies and systems on Air, Land and Sea platforms, ensuring their readiness and availability to underpin national security. We are proud to be the largest supplier of avionic support to the UK MoD and a trusted partner for our customers worldwide, providing innovative and invaluable support solutions. A key element of these solutions is the provision of test capability and in this role you will be supporting the definition and delivery of technical strategies and solutions to ensure the range of test solutions meet current and future needs.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting and contributing to the delivery of strategies and priorities for CS3 test engineering
• Providing technical expertise and experience in the creation of technical test solutions and roadmaps that add value to both customers and CS3
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement effective test solutions that support the reduction of impact to platform availability whilst ensuring safe and compliant operation
• Interpretation of product roadmaps through collaboration with CS3 Programme Leads, partner lines of business and Technology Leaders to develop programmes of investment and improvement ensuring the capability of test equipment is maintained to end of service
• Maintaining a positive working relationship with stakeholders, including test delivery leads within each line of business and CS3 programme and engineering leads
• Collating and generating performance metrics and reports, highlighting opportunities and risks for test equipment
• Providing support to CS3 bid activity on opportunities to supply ML1, ML2 and ML3 test capability and support solutions to customers both domestic and international
• Representing CS3 test engineering at sector reviews and project performance reviews as required

Qualifications

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

• Experience of delivering test solutions for highly complex and technically challenging products, preferably in the defence electronics sector.
• Knowledge of RF, Optical or Laser test technology is desirable.
• In‑service knowledge and operation of a multi‑contractual support environment.
• Proven technical expertise in the field of test capability in the support phase of the product lifecycle.
• Experience across engineering lifecycles, with an emphasis on test engineering and associated planning and governance activities for successful delivery outcomes.
• Ability to understand the bigger picture and solve complex problems.
• Enthusiastic and self‑motivated with a strong ability to foster and develop effective working relationships with both external and internal stakeholders at varying levels of seniority.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with an ability to influence and adapt according to changing demands.
• Awareness of statutory and regulatory compliance requirements within the defence avionics industry.

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). 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.

Company Information

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!

Key Information

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo.

The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know‑how across the generations.