Chief Engineer - Systems Design Authority

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you enthusiastic and technically curious around thermal imaging, radar and automated protection systems - and how the combined use of AI can support users?

Do you want to be part of the engineering team behind the Falcon Shield and MIPS (Modular Integrated Protection System) ?

Our team in Mission Systems are currently recruiting for a highly motivated Chief Engineer - System Design Authority (SDA) to join them.You will be a domain expert who engages across engineering functions, specialists and customers to define the technical solution.Overseeing bid activity for key strategic campaigns, you would be a key stakeholder in achieving our business growth and development. Please note this role is hybrid based working from our Basildon site.

Your primary duties are:

• Be the System Design Authority and Company Technical Signatory (as delegated from the Integrated Sensing Protection (ISP) Chief Engineer Design Integrity) for a group of products within the Mission Systems Business Area.
• Ensure that all products are developed through suitable engineering processes; meet the requirements for their intended environment, are compliant with legal requirements, are safe, and manufactural to cost.
• Responsible for engineering quality through guidance, monitoring and consideration of corrective action.
• Drive and monitor the engineering governance process throughout the complete product lifecycle.

What you'll bring:

• Extensive Experience with Electro-Optic Imaging and Sensing systems, including complex network and software solutions.
• Experience of designing for, and complying with, recognised Environmental, EMC and Power standards for Military environments and platforms.
• Extensive Experience working with platform integrators and product suppliers.
• An understanding of the interaction of design, manufacturing, supply chain and support capabilities is essential.
• Extensive experience of the development lifecycle of complex equipment, with a background in Engineering Management, is essential.
• Previous experience in carrying out product safety assessments and hazard analysis.
• Experience in reviewing and assuring compliance with Legislation including EU Directives and/or UKCA Regulations, and REACH Declarations.
• Broad engineering background. Ideally have a wide engineering knowledge base and be able to generate, challenge and agree product requirements.

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:

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!

Primary Location:

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working: