Principal Systems Engineer (RF)

As an RF and signal processing specialist in Leonardo UK’s Systems Engineering Function, you will help design and develop the core signal processing kernel for advanced defence systems. You will work within multidisciplinary teams to transform concepts into high-performance capabilities for current and future aircraft programs, including GCAP and Tempest. You will tackle real-time signal processing challenges, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare topics, contributing to both in-service enhancements and frontier technology. This is a critical role at a UK site in Luton with a focus on impactful, mission-driven engineering.

• pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
• flexible hours with hybrid working
• up to 12 flexi-days per year
• mental health support and wellbeing services
• bonus scheme for employees
• free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning

• Define and refine system requirements with stakeholders
• Conduct cost and performance trade-offs to evaluate solutions
• Design and integrate new functionality into existing systems
• Model systems to understand observed performance
• Develop capability within hardware constraints
• Root-cause analysis of anomalies during integration/evaluation
• Design and conduct testing and trials to prove function and performance
• Lead technical activities and initiatives when opportunities arise
• Mentor and coach other engineers
• Prepare reports and proposals for customers and partners
• Support knowledge sharing and adoption of good practices

• 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 desire to gain electronic warfare domain knowledge
• Willingness to further engineering knowledge through training and mentoring
• Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle (problem definition, architecture, MBSE, integration, verification & validation)
• Security clearance requirements including BPSS, NSV, SC or DV eligibility
• Five years UK residency and UK passport holders preferred

• Good attitude and willingness to learn
• Mentoring and coaching of engineers
• Stakeholder engagement and written/oral communication
• C++ (working understanding)
• Digital signal processing
• RF systems