Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer

Location:

Southampton, England, United Kingdom (Primary: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane;
Additional: GB - Basildon, GB - Edinburgh, GB - Lincoln, GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300, GB - Newcastle, GB - Southampton).

Role:
Digital Engineering Integration Product Owner for GCAP.

• Product Development Lead for the Digital Engineering Integration team.
• Accountable for delivering the Digital Engineering Integration Programme Backlog and leading specialist scrum teams.
• Work closely with the Enablers Chief Systems Engineer to define future‑state Digital Engineering Capabilities, including Digital Environment/Digital Thread definition, PLM/ALM modernisation, Model Based Engineering adoption and connected Digital Engineering Ecosystems.
• Own the Digital Engineering Capability Product Roadmap, identify capabilities and demonstrate measurable value.
• Accountable for deliverables such as User Needs Specification and Digital Engineering Roadmaps.
• liaise with GCAP Industry Partners to ensure programme needs are understood and actioned.
• Apply problem definition to identify inefficiencies, capability gaps and opportunities for Digital Engineering Capabilities.
• Translate strategic objectives from the GCAP Digital Engineering Strategy into actionable transformation roadmaps and technology implementation plans.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate executive‑level discussions on Digital Engineering Capabilities, driving alignment across GCAP Industry Partners and LED UK cross‑functional teams.
• Work with the internal Future Factory and Engineering Function to shape and deliver complex Digital Engineering Capabilities such as the Digital Engineering Environment, Digital Thread and Advanced Product Lifecycle Management technologies, accelerating innovation and driving measurable programme outcomes.
• Ensure alignment between LEUK business requirements and GCAP Programme requirements on Digital Engineering/Digital Thread.
• Support the Digital Engineering Integration – Project Engineering Lead in producing effective, efficient and realistic plans, identifying risk and opportunities, ensuring estimates are validated in accordance with LED UK governance practices.

• Excellent communication skills with all levels of hierarchy and across cultures.
• Ability to influence and inspire trust in others.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and facilitate technical discussions.
• Strong background in mechanical, electrical or systems engineering, with a solid grasp of multidisciplinary principles and system‑level thinking.
• Significant engineering experience on large, complex programmes.
• Familiarity with the latest Digital Engineering Technologies, Methods and Trends.
• Demonstrated experience building and executing models using engineering tools related to Systems Modelling, PLM, CAD/CAE, Simulation or Requirements Management.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum Development Methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and team‑based environment, even in the presence of uncertainty.
• Proactive problem‑solving approaches that seek win‑win solutions.

• Proven technical expertise and management experience on Defence programmes with full knowledge and experience of other related disciplines.
• Knowledge and experience of Digital Engineering/Digital Threads and Digital Twins.
• Understanding of financial management and impacts on programmes.
• Experience in a customer‑facing role.
• Experience interacting with senior external personnel on significant engineering matters often requiring coordination between organisations.
• Understanding of how engineering is delivered by Leonardo UK.
• Experience across all lifecycle phases:
  Development, Manufacture and Support.

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

• Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Employer pension contribution up to 15%.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice…