Senior/Principal Systems Engineer - CUAS

As a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer, you will tackle real engineering problems by designing and delivering system-of-systems solutions for Leonardo. You will lead and contribute to multiple work packages across the lifecycle, coordinating with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure compliant, high-quality capabilities. The role focuses on integrating radar, electro-optics, CEMA sensors, and command-and-control software for large-scale CUAS initiatives. You’ll work in Basildon within a growing Mission Systems group, with clear opportunities for personal and professional development. This role offers a hands-on, impact-driven opportunity to shape complex, high-stakes systems that

• pension scheme with employer contributions
• generous leave and flexi-days
• mental health support and wellbeing benefits
• free access to 4,000+ online courses
• bonus scheme for eligible staff
• flexible benefits including private healthcare and discounts

• Engage with customers, suppliers, product teams and stakeholders to define the overall solution and own elements of the detailed solution
• Create and agree top-level system architecture and design documentation with the team and customers
• Flow down technical requirements to subsystems and subcontractors, ensuring design integrity
• Present system and subsystem design reviews and lead verification and validation activities
• Create or review outgoing technical documents and support certification efforts
• Lead fault-finding, integration troubleshooting under tight timescales and review incoming technical documents from subcontractors
• Ensure technical acceptance of sub-elements and support overall solution certification
• Support and manage equipment installations and provide field/remote technical support when needed
• Work within a security-conscious framework (BPSS/NSV considerations) and engage stakeholders on complex issues
• Collaborate across multi-cultural teams and adapt to tight deadlines and changing operational requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience in systems engineering, including complex system integration
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Domain knowledge in at least two of: Radar, Electro-optics, Command and Control Software, ICT and Networked systems
• Proven ability to develop and implement complex technical solutions and manage technical risk
• Experience with safety reviews and hazard management
• Stakeholder engagement experience on complex technical issues
• Ability to identify non-customer requirements impacting design integrity
• Familiarity with design certification concepts and liability considerations
• Experience with equipment installations and field/remote support
• Willingness to travel overseas for short periods (