Systems Engineer - Advanced Targeting - All Levels

Job Description:

Salary Range:

Systems Engineer £38,000 - £48,000

Senior Systems Engineer £44,500 - £56,000

Principal Systems Engineer £53,500 - £68,000

Lead Systems Engineer £59,500 - £75,000

Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your Impact

Are you an experienced Systems Engineer ready to take on some of the most advanced electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems in the world? At Leonardo, we are looking for professionals who can apply their expertise to deliver cutting-edge EO/IR capabilities across a diverse range of projects, from lasers and imaging to detection, tracking, control systems, and navigation.

Your work could contribute to:

• Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – Future Generation Electro-Optical Targeting products
• Laser Direct Energy Weapons Systems like Dragonfire
• Infra-Red Counter Measures (IRCM) systems
• Laser target designators and ranging systems

We are recruiting for a range of Systems Engineers. Based on your skills and experience, we’ll match you to the most impactful projects where you can thrive and grow.

What you will do as an EO/IR Systems Engineer

You will work on EO/IR systems at various stages of their lifecycle, contributing to one or more of the following areas:

• Requirements capture, definition, development, modelling, manufacture, test, and verification of EO/IR technologies.
• Applying and improving systems engineering processes across the full lifecycle.
• Collaborating with integrated project teams to design, build, and deliver EO/IR equipment.
• Driving continual learning and improvement across the UK engineering community, acting as a change agent for systems engineering.

What you’ll bring

We are seeking engineers with experience in applying systems engineering within an EO/IR environment, with a proven track record in at least some of these essential skillsets:

• Systems Engineering: Requirements capture and management, System definition and development, Modelling and analysis, Verification and validation, Full engineering lifecycle application
• Domain specialisms: EO/IR systems and technologies, Control systems and navigation, Imaging, detection, and tracking
• Technical expertise with tools and methods: Systems engineering methods, tools, and processes, Strong numerical, analytical, and critical-thinking skills supporting “systems thinking”

If you have these skills and want to work on some of the most advanced EO/IR systems in the world, we want to hear from you.

Security Clearance

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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: .

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Generous leave plus up to 12 additional flexi-days each year
• Secure your Future: Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led inclusion & diversity networks
• Rewarding Performance: Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below
• Never Stop Learning: 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning
• Refer a Friend: Financial reward through our referral programme
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits such as private healthcare, dental cover, gym memberships, and more
• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid options; for part-time opportunities, we are open to discussion

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide, including 8,500 across 9 UK sites. Our employees are key contributors to innovation, technology, and safety worldwide.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe diversity sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and customers. If you have any accessibility requirements during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Be part of something bigger – apply now

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