Principal Composites Engineer

Principal Composites Engineer

Leonardo, Basildon, England, United Kingdom

We are establishing a new Materials and Processes Engineering Department and seek an accomplished Principal Composites Engineer to play a pivotal role in shaping our future capabilities. This position offers a unique opportunity to become the organisation’s recognised specialist in composites, where you will provide expert guidance to design teams on the selection and application of high-performance materials and processes, ensuring our products meet the most demanding of operational requirements.

Delivering Engineering Excellence requires us to ensure we design for manufacturability, test, support, cost, repair and sustainability at the outset. This will be a varied and challenging role, supporting the business through adoption of novel composites across a wide range of product portfolios, and engaging with the supply chain to support manufacturing. This role can be hybrid and requires regular travel across our sites in the UK.

• Work with design engineers to support the design and analysis of structures using composite materials
• Engage with the supply chain to support projects during manufacture
• Develop a Composites Design Guide based on available qualified materials
• Work closely with the Materials Conformity Lead on requirements for future materials
• Support the development of the composite strategy
• Participate in knowledge sharing forums
• Work closely with the sustainability team to understand the carbon footprint of materials and the potential for material circularity
• Support Design Integrity and Airworthiness teams to ensure any new composite materials used on safety‑critical applications have undergone the required regulatory review
• Pro‑actively engage with projects across the UK to help guide effective and efficient adoption of new composite materials and processes

• Higher education approved STEM qualification at first degree level or equivalent recognised by professional accreditation schemes
• A strong background in Aerospace or other high‑performance sectors
• Knowledge of a wide range of composite materials and processes
• Demonstrated experience of design and stress analysis with composite structures
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, procurement and external partners
• Experience of participation in design reviews
• An enthusiasm for learning and developing knowledge in a new area of the business and an aptitude for leading the adoption of novel materials across wider engineering teams
• Willingness to represent the Company at external events

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.

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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

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+…