Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer – Digital Engineering Integration Product Owner (GCAP)

Location: GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane (plus additional UK locations: Basildon, Edinburgh, Lincoln, Luton – Cap. Green 300, Newcastle, Southampton)

Leonardo Future Combat Air (FCA) is developing the 6th Generation Future Combat Air platform – the UK’s Tempest – and needs a Product Owner to guide the Digital Engineering Integration team through GCAP’s Design and Development phase.

• Lead the Digital Engineering Integration team, modernising LEUK’s end‑to‑end product development on GCAP.
• Own and deliver the Digital Engineering Integration Programme Backlog, coordinating specialist scrum teams composed of Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team members.
• Collaborate with the Enablers Chief Systems Engineer to define future‑state Digital Engineering capabilities, including Digital Thread, PLM/ALM modernisation, Model‑Based Engineering, and connected Digital Engineering Ecosystems.
• Maintain the Digital Engineering Capability Product Roadmap, identifying capabilities and demonstrating measurable value.
• Produce deliverables such as User Needs Specification and Digital Engineering Roadmaps.
• Engage with GCAP Industry Partners to ensure programme needs are understood and actioned.
• Identify inefficiencies and capability gaps and translate strategic objectives into actionable transformation roadmaps and technology implementation plans.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, facilitate executive discussions, and drive alignment across GCAP Industry Partners and LED UK cross‑functional teams.
• Work with the Future Factory and Engineering Function to deliver complex Digital Engineering capabilities, ensuring alignment with LEUK business requirements.
• Support the Digital Engineering Integration – Project Engineering Lead in planning, risk identification, and governance adherence.

• Strong background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering with multidisciplinary and systems‑level thinking.
• Significant experience on large, complex programmes.
• Proficient in digital engineering technologies, methods and trends.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills across hierarchies and cultures.
• Ability to influence, inspire trust, and lead stakeholder engagement.
• Proactive problem‑solving with win‑win solutions.
• Ability to work effectively under uncertainty.

• Technical expertise and management on Defence programmes.
• Knowledge of Digital Engineering/Digital Threads, Digital Twins.
• Understanding of financial management and programme impacts.
• Experience in a “customer facing” role and senior external interactions.
• Experience across all lifecycle phases – Development, Manufacture, Support.
• Familiarity with Leonardo UK engineering delivery processes.

This role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). National Security Vetting (NSV) may also apply, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC). Sole UK nationality is required for eligibility.

• Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi‑days per year.
• 12¼ year NHS pension contribution up to 15%.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led inclusion networks.
• Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• 4,000+ free online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Financial reward through the referral program.
• Annual £500 flexible benefits cover (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships).
• Hybrid working – flexible hours with hybrid options; part‑time flexibility available.

Permanent – Full‑time – Hybrid.

Leonardo is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with UK employment law.

Apply now to join a global leader in Aerospace, Defence and Security.