Project Chief Engineer

Would you like to be leading the development of cutting-edge UK-sovereign LDEW technology and defence products in a world-class design and manufacturing environment? This is a unique opportunity to provide technical leadership and control of the design standards for the LDEW Beam Director product area, ensuring that Engineering development work is co-ordinated, and assisting Project Engineering teams in technical delivery by providing expert advice and guidance.

The Advanced Targeting sector is at the forefront of emerging LDEW technology, and the Beam Director product line is strategically critical, underpinning future manufacturing revenue.

• Ensure that customer requirements are properly defined and fully met, and that customer expectations are fully managed.
• Strive to ensure that each design is efficient, produceable, safe, robust, and works in its environment.
• Be the primary technical Point-of-Contact for external customers, Business Winning activities, and other business areas within the company.
• Be responsible for ensuring that the Engineering team captures and records the rationale and supporting analyses for all major design decisions.
• Be accountable for the quality of Key Performance Parameter tracking throughout the product lifecycle.
• Be accountable for Design Review and test strategy quality and coverage.
• Be responsible for ensuring the quality of the product certification evidence, and compliance with regulatory and Safety standards.
• Be responsible for ensuring the resolution/sentencing of technical non-compliances and Safety Arisings.
• Work with the Project Engineering Manager/Leads to resolve technical or programme conflicts.
• Support the Capability function to develop and maintain product & technology road maps, and Intellectual Property.
• Coach and mentor other Engineers, to support their career development.
• Provide SME support to Design Reviews and technical investigations for other AT products.

• Experience in technical leadership across all phases of the Engineering lifecycle.
• Extensive experience in more than one engineering domain, with proven customer delivery performance.
• A keen eye for the bigger picture in product development and strong understanding of the product development lifecycle and risk management.
• Very high levels of customer focus and understanding of customer needs over and above written requirements.
• Experience of Chairing or providing SME assessments to Design Reviews.
• Understanding and demonstrated experience of formal problem-solving techniques.
• Proven ability to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.
• A first-degree STEM qualification or equivalent as recognised by professional accreditation scheme.

• Design Authority experience for products or systems.
• Experience in the design, characterisation and manufacture of Beam Directors.
• Subject Matter Expertise in Laser and/or Electro-Optical systems.

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…