Lead DevOps Engineer

Job Description:

Do you want to shape the future of Dev Ops across the UK’s most critical missions? At Leonardo, our Lead Dev Ops Engineers (Technical Specialists) are recognised authorities in automation and secure software delivery. They set technical direction, act as subject matter experts across programmes, and ensure our Dev Ops solutions remain robust, secure, and innovative.

Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team‑centric manner. The role will involve working full time at the customers site.

• Act as the technical authority for Dev Ops across programmes, shaping architectures and guiding technical delivery.
• Define and influence Dev Ops roadmaps, innovation, and future strategies for automation and secure delivery.
• Lead feasibility studies, technology assessments, and solution recommendations for complex engineering challenges.
• Provide advanced guidance in CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and container orchestration across environments.
• Mentor Principal, Senior, and Early‑career Engineers to raise capability across the Dev Ops community.
• Represent Leonardo at customer reviews, technical boards, and industry events, presenting and defending solutions.
• Contribute expert input to bids, proposals, and technical strategy.
• Champion secure‑by‑design principles, accreditation alignment, and engineering governance.

• Recognised expertise as a technical authority in Dev Ops and automation.
• Ability to influence technical strategy and represent Leonardo externally as a subject matter expert.
• Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders from engineers to senior leaders.

Core areas (must have):

• Expert knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automation, and orchestration (Git Hub Actions, Git Lab CI, Jenkins, Terraform, Ansible, Helm).
• Strong expertise in containerisation and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Open Shift/Tanzu).
• Deep knowledge of cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and hybrid deployments.
• Experience embedding cyber security controls and Dev Sec Ops  practices into pipelines and infrastructure.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, Power Shell).
• Familiarity with accreditation, assurance, and governance requirements in secure environments.

Desirable:

• Recognised expert certifications (e.g. Kubernetes CKA/CKAD, AWS/Azure Architect, Hashi Corp Terraform/ Vault).
• Experience influencing organisational Dev Ops standards and best practices.
• Contributions to research, publications, or professional forums in Dev Ops/automation.
• Knowledge of service mesh, Git Ops, and policy‑as‑code approaches.
• Experience with monitoring/logging and observability platforms (ELK, Prometheus, Splunk).

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, this 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
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  All employees at management…