Solutions Architect; C-UAS

Job Description

Due to continued growth, Leonardo has an exciting opportunity for a Solutions Architect to join our Mission Systems C-UAS Team. We provide world-leading solutions to an increasing worldwide threat, and our teams work alongside international government agencies to help ensure national security. This role enhances the leadership and strategic direction of work within the Counter‑Uncrewed Aerial Systems domain, refining existing implementations and defining strategic direction and architectures to fulfil future C‑UAS challenges.

Hybrid working from our dedicated site in Basildon (we may consider other sites in the South, but frequent travel to Basildon will be required).

As Solutions Architect, you will be responsible for SI Enterprise Architecture design, identification of technical solutions & architectures, technical leadership in bids and external studies, scope management, and participation in PV through to support for Capability Management of product portfolios. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include:

• Maintaining high awareness of all relevant developments around C‑UAS, the associated technologies and frameworks.
• Proposing and evaluating alternative technical and commercial approaches to delivering prime contract capability and systems to the customer.
• Maximising the value of the Leonardo workshare.
• Generating white papers to shape thinking within the stakeholder community.
• Developing the solution architecture for optimum cost effectiveness and URD compliance.
• Developing a combination of systems and software solutions.
• Working with Systems Architects and Systems Engineering to develop candidate system architectures and derive requirements at all system levels.
• Supporting the Bid Team with cost estimation of solutions.
• Performing cost‑benefit analysis of system component development versus COTS procurement.
• Contributing to the development of Enterprise Architectures for major campaigns and programmes.

You will possess proven experience in a similar role, maintaining a high awareness of relevant developments around associated technologies and frameworks. You will be highly experienced in proposing and evaluating technical and commercial approaches to delivering prime contract capability and systems to defence customers, including development of Sensor/Effector systems with C2/GUI aspects. Attributes required include:

• A good understanding of open and common standards/frameworks relevant to the solution space (e.g., SAPIENT, Land Data Model, GVA, etc.).
• The ability to develop white papers that shape and steer thinking within the stakeholder community.
• Ability to lead cost‑benefit analysis to inform make/buy decisions for system solutions.
• Experience with in the defence industry is essential.
• Experience using tools such as DOORS, Cameo, The Mathworks is desirable.
• Significant experience developing sensor and effector products/systems, including C2/GUI aspects, specifically the integration of technologies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience working with customers/end‑users at a senior commercial and technical level – essential.
• Estimating costs and technical risk for each solution approach.
• Experience of the full life cycle for product and system development – from concept through to disposal.
• Familiarity with open systems architectures/frameworks such as SAPIENT, LDM.
• Experience with formal user‑requirements capture, traceability and compliance‑management methodologies and tools.

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.

Successful candidates will be UK nationals. This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls under National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, including the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

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