Lead Engineer – Refrigeration & Cooling Systems

Job Description :

We’re seeking a practical, hands‑on engineer with expertise in refrigeration and cooling systems to join our team at Leonardo Luton. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-performance cooling solutions and test equipment for advanced aerospace platforms.

Working within a multi-disciplinary environment, you’ll collaborate across teams in the Electronic Warfare Business and support both UK-based and European operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow into a subject matter expert in a specialised and high-impact field, with strong support for career development and hybrid working.

• Designing, building, documenting, testing, qualifying, installing, and maintaining refrigeration and other thermal management systems for military aviation platforms.
• Supporting system integration and testing at Leonardo facilities, customer sites, and occasionally on operational bases.
• Presenting engineering solutions and investigation findings to both internal teams and external partners.
• Collaborating with European and international partners on joint development or support projects.
• Progressing toward recognised status as a Competent Person and subject matter expert in cooling and pressure systems.

We’re looking for someone with a combination of technical skill, hands‑on ability, and practical engineering judgement. The ideal candidate will have :

• Ideally a Degree qualification, but an HND / HNC with sufficient practical experience will also be considered.
• Background in one or more of the following areas :
• Experience in Automotive, Aerospace, Marine, Electronics / Data Centre and or Process cooling systems would be an advantage.

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Thermal Management, or Pressure Systems.

• Experience with cooling technologies such as refrigeration systems, chilled water / glycol loops, oil cooling, and potentially cascade systems.
• Understanding of high- and low-pressure systems, pressure‑enthalpy diagrams, and fluid properties.
• Skilled in assembling and testing systems, including pressure and leak testing.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation (e.g. circuit diagrams, safety / risk assessments, user manuals, defect reports).
• Knowledge of relevant UK, European, and international standards related to environmental controls, pressure systems, and REACH compliance.

• Team working approach with a high degree of personal integrity.
• Demonstrate a high level of practical workmanship skills in the assembly, test and repair of small mechanical and fluid devices (including the practice of tool control and recording of such work).
• Well experienced in Microsoft software packages- particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of engineering document management and project management fundamentals.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working :
  Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits :
  Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays : 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy / sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension :
  Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing :
  Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle :
  Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training :
  Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive :
  You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus :
  Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below