Job Description
Job description
Job Description:
Opportunity:
An opportunity has arisen within Leonardo UK for an experienced Lead Electronics Engineer to lead electronics development on the Distributed Electro-Optical Sensor (DEOS) project for the Global Combat Air System Programme (GCAP). Announced by the Prime Minister in December 2026, GCAP will deliver Tempest, the next generation fighter aircraft that will replace the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet from 2035.
This exciting role will play a significant part in maturing and delivering a mission critical component that will be installed onto the GCAP core platform.
GCAP is an international endeavour, and the successful candidate will have the potential to travel overseas to work with colleagues in Italy and Japan.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a defence programme of critical national importance, and to shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK.
What you'll do as Lead Electronics Engineer:
• Manage and lead a team of Electronics Engineers in developing the GCAP / DEOS electronic hardware through the full design lifecycle; from requirements analysis to concept development and prototyping; through product design, build and test; to system integration; and lastly to acceptance test and delivery to the customer.
• You will have ownership of all electronics work packages; agree budget and schedule with engineering management, day-to-day planning and execution your teams work, supervising the engineers in completion of their tasks, and reporting to all stakeholders.
• Lead the DEOS electronics architecture development while working closely alongside with Systems, Mechanical, Firmware and Software Leads to agree a solution which optimises system capability and performance while with minimising product Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)
• Act as primary point of contact to Engineering Management for all aspects of Electronics Engineering development.
• Be a coach and mentor to your team in terms of their technical and professional development.
• Work alongside engineers from partner organisations both with the GCAP consortium and user community.
• Ensure electronics development progresses in accordance with applicable company and industry processes and procedures.
• Support the company’s wider electronics team by conducting design reviews and knowledge sharing
• Training will be delivered via a combination of on-the-job experience working alongside subject matter experts with many decades of experience, plus additional formal technical training delivered via taught courses depending on the business needs.
What we need from you:
• Degree qualified in Electronics Engineering or related science.
• Experience of team leadership and work package management.
• Experience of developing complex electronics system architectures.
• Expert-level proficiency in at least one or more aspects of electronics design, for example: analogue, mixed-signal, digital / DSP, or power electronics.
• Knowledge of developing electronics within a development process framework.
• Strong team-working and interpersonal skills are essential, as well as the ability to coach junior members of the team.
It would be great if you have:
• Experience of development of with Electro-Optic and / or Servo Control technology, such as: Optical Detectors, Lasers, Camera Imaging Systems, Control Theory & Motor / Servo Drive Electronics, Power Electronics, Communications Electronics.
• Experience developing electronics for avionic systems.
• Well-rounded engineering experience in all phases of the Product Life Cycle across several projects.
Security Clearance
Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK security clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of 5 years permanent residency in the UK. For more information and guidance please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Life at Leonardo
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
For a full list of our Company benefits please visit:
http://www.uk.leonardocompany.com/people-careers/people/company-benefits
Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.
At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.
Primary Location:
GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations:
GB - Newcastle
Contract Type:
Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid
Job Description:
Opportunity:
An opportunity has arisen within Leonardo UK for an experienced Lead Electronics Engineer to lead electronics development on the Distributed Electro-Optical Sensor (DEOS) project for the Global Combat Air System Programme (GCAP). Announced by the Prime Minister in December 2026, GCAP will deliver Tempest, the next generation fighter aircraft that will replace the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet from 2035.
This exciting role will play a significant part in maturing and delivering a mission critical component that will be installed onto the GCAP core platform.
GCAP is an international endeavour, and the successful candidate will have the potential to travel overseas to work with colleagues in Italy and Japan.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a defence programme of critical national importance, and to shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK.
What you'll do as Lead Electronics Engineer:
• Manage and lead a team of Electronics Engineers in developing the GCAP / DEOS electronic hardware through the full design lifecycle; from requirements analysis to concept development and prototyping; through product design, build and test; to system integration; and lastly to acceptance test and delivery to the customer.
• You will have ownership of all electronics work packages; agree budget and schedule with engineering management, day-to-day planning and execution your teams work, supervising the engineers in completion of their tasks, and reporting to all stakeholders.
• Lead the DEOS electronics architecture development while working closely alongside with Systems, Mechanical, Firmware and Software Leads to agree a solution which optimises system capability and performance while with minimising product Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)
• Act as primary point of contact to Engineering Management for all aspects of Electronics Engineering development.
• Be a coach and mentor to your team in terms of their technical and professional development.
• Work alongside engineers from partner organisations both with the GCAP consortium and user community.
• Ensure electronics development progresses in accordance with applicable company and industry processes and procedures.
• Support the company’s wider electronics team by conducting design reviews and knowledge sharing
• Training will be delivered via a combination of on-the-job experience working alongside subject matter experts with many decades of experience, plus additional formal technical training delivered via taught courses depending on the business needs.
What we need from you:
• Degree qualified in Electronics Engineering or related science.
• Experience of team leadership and work package management.
• Experience of developing complex electronics system architectures.
• Expert-level proficiency in at least one or more aspects of electronics design, for example: analogue, mixed-signal, digital / DSP, or power electronics.
• Knowledge of developing electronics within a development process framework.
• Strong team-working and interpersonal skills are essential, as well as the ability to coach junior members of the team.
It would be great if you have:
• Experience of development of with Electro-Optic and / or Servo Control technology, such as: Optical Detectors, Lasers, Camera Imaging Systems, Control Theory & Motor / Servo Drive Electronics, Power Electronics, Communications Electronics.
• Experience developing electronics for avionic systems.
• Well-rounded engineering experience in all phases of the Product Life Cycle across several projects.
Security Clearance
Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK security clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of 5 years permanent residency in the UK. For more information and guidance please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Life at Leonardo
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
For a full list of our Company benefits please visit:
http://www.uk.leonardocompany.com/people-careers/people/company-benefits
Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.
At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.
Primary Location:
GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations:
GB - Newcastle
Contract Type:
Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Lead Electronics Engineer position is now open for candidates interested in the IT Engineer & Developer Jobs sector. This role in Newcastle upon Tyne offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in IT Engineer & Developer Jobs is a plus.
