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Are you enthusiastic and technically curious about 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 Mission Systems team is currently recruiting for a highly motivated Chief Engineer - System Design Authority (SDA) to join us. You will be a domain expert engaging across engineering functions, specialists, and customers to define the technical solution. Overseeing bid activity for strategic campaigns, you will be a key stakeholder in our growth. This role is hybrid, based at our Basildon site.

Your primary duties include:

• Being the System Design Authority and Company Technical Signatory for a group of products within the Mission Systems Business Area.
• Ensuring all products are developed through suitable engineering processes, meet environmental and safety requirements, are compliant with legal standards, and are manufacturable within budget.
• Providing engineering quality guidance, monitoring, and corrective actions.
• Driving engineering governance throughout the product lifecycle.

What you’ll bring:

• Extensive experience with Electro-Optic Imaging and Sensing systems, including complex network and software solutions.
• Experience designing for and complying with environmental, EMC, and power standards for military environments.
• Experience working with platform integrators and suppliers.
• An understanding of the interaction between design, manufacturing, supply chain, and support capabilities.
• Experience in the development lifecycle of complex equipment, with a background in engineering management.
• Experience conducting product safety assessments and hazard analyses.
• Knowledge of legislation including EU Directives, UKCA Regulations, and REACH Declarations.
• A broad engineering background capable of generating and challenging product requirements.

This list is not exhaustive; we welcome candidates with diverse experiences. The most important qualities are a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role requires pre-employment screening per the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional vetting (NSV) may include Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). More info can be found at:

Leonardo offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting wellbeing, career growth, and work-life balance, including generous leave, pension schemes, mental health support, online learning, and flexible benefits.

For details, visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, with over 53,000 employees worldwide. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and accessible recruitment processes. Please inform us of any accessibility needs during recruitment.