Join to apply for the Principal and Lead Hardware Engineers role at Leonardo

We are recruiting for Principal and Lead Hardware Engineers to be part of various teams within the EW sector to support our next generation electronic platforms. You will experience the full engineering lifecycle within Leonardo assisting with requirement and architecture definition and maturation, the design of new, novel PCB level electronics and work with the wider project team to support integration and qualification of product.

What You Will Do

• Support throughout the full hardware lifecycle from requirements analysis through design, unit test, hardware integration with the target system, and acceptance testing and delivery to customer.
• Fully document and record your work products, keeping them under configuration management, and providing plans and progress reports.
• Support the integration of hardware, firmware and software within your project.
• Support product team qualification activities.
• Support trials proving activities.
• Design high speed digital Printed Circuit Boards that utilise the latest FPGA, Microprocessor and high speed interconnect technologies.
• Work within a multi-disciplined team of engineers to solve real integration problems on complex systems.

What You’ll Bring

• Either an HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree (Electronic Engineering, Physics, or Systems based) or equivalent experience from a long track record.
• Familiarity with circuit design (schematic capture), layout and simulation design tools.
• Mixed signal knowledge using ADC/DAC, FPGA, SoC based design for high performance signal processing, communications and control.
• Integrating in-house designs with COTS modules (power supplies, single board computers, RF interfaces).
• Practical experience of debugging, testing and verifying new designs.
• DFx knowledge specifically Design for EMC and EMI.
• Analysis of system level requirements documents and understanding their application to hardware designs.
• Design of high speed serial communication links and knowledge of associated protocols and architectures.
• Hands-on experience of hardware, firmware & software integration of microprocessor-based designs onto hardware platforms.
• A methodical approach to the full hardware design lifecycle, working to a structured hardware process.
• Debugging, testing and verification of new designs and supporting their commissioning and integration into the target system.
• Specialism in your field of interest with the ability to form ideas and conduct concept designs and product development using best practice.
• Willing to teach others and continually increase your own knowledge.

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, National Security Vetting (NSV), may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information, please visit https //careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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.

• Time to Recharge: generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: mental health support, financial advice, and inclusive networks.
• Rewarding Performance: bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning: access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, and more.
• Flexible working: hybrid arrangements; part-time possibilities may be discussed.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know. Be part of something bigger – apply now!

Location & Employment

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing
• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
• Computer and Network Security

Be part of something bigger - apply now!