Radar Chief Systems Engineer

Job Description

Salary: £67,000 - £92,000

This role is for a Radar Sector Chief Systems Engineer, responsible for Systems Engineering oversight across the radar portfolio.

• Lead Radar Systems Engineering, coaching in effective SE practice, methods, modelling techniques and architectural thinking.
• Promote use of concept development, analysis, modelling, simulation techniques to identify risks and architectural trade‑offs.
• Drive adoption of modern SE methods such as digital engineering, model‑based systems engineering and agile SE practices.
• Act as focal point for Systems Engineering governance, supporting lifecycle management, design reviews, audits and early‑lifecycle technical guidance.
• Own sector Systems Engineering strategy, technical governance and authority across Leonardo’s radar sectors.
• Identify cross‑sector trends, lessons learned and opportunities to improve efficiency and quality.
• Define and maintain metrics to demonstrate improvement in SE capability and outcomes.
• Develop and maintain the Radar Systems Engineering capability roadmap, including critical skills, emerging skills and tooling.
• Collaborate with engineering disciplines and senior leaders to strengthen engineering confidence and improve customer outcomes.
• Serve as primary point of contact for SE matters with sector technical leadership and external SE bodies.

• Develop a clear strategy and improvement plan for Systems Engineering across radar programmes.
• Produce a view of SE capability, including critical skills and gaps.
• Provide sector guidance on Systems Engineering process tailoring.

Senior leadership role that can progress to Programme Chief Engineer, Head of Discipline or Chief Technical Specialist.

• Systems thinker with strong desire to elevate SE skills.
• Experience applying SE governance and life‑cycle management at sector or programme level.
• Ability to capture and interpret stakeholder expectations.
• Experience defining architectures and guiding architectural decisions.
• Proven leadership in dynamic, high‑complexity environments.
• Excellent communication and credibility with engineering, leadership and customers.
• Understanding of integration challenges on long‑running complex programmes.
• Determination, resilience and drive for high‑quality outcomes.

Role requires pre‑employment screening under the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, with possible National Security Vetting and SC or DV clearance.

• Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Employer‑contributed pension scheme with up to 15% contribution.
• Free mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led inclusion networks.
• Eligible for bonus scheme.
• Access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Referral programme reward.
• Flexible benefits to spend up to £500 annually on health, dental, family cover, tech, gym, etc.
• Flexible hours, hybrid working options.

Leonardo is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, colour, ethnicity, disability, family or medical circumstances, generous parental leave, religious belief or association, sexual or gender identity, or veteran status.