Chief Engineer - Design Integrity

At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Chief Engineer, Engineering Design Integrity. 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 7,000 are based in the UK.

This exciting Chief Engineer, Engineering Design Integrity role will be based at our Edinburgh site, with responsibility for the Radar and Advanced Targeting Line of Business (LoB). Radar and Advanced Targeting develops and manufactures the cutting edge Radars, Electro–optic systems and lasers that are on numerous fixed and rotary wing platforms for the RAF, Royal Navy and customers worldwide. They are also developing the future sensing technologies that will keep out armed forces and those of our allies fit for the future.

The Engineering Design Integrity team exists to provide expertise and guidance that support Leonardo Electronics UK's Programmes to develop, deliver and support products that are cost–effective, of high quality and that meet the regulatory needs of our customers and markets. You will report to the VP Engineering Design Integrity and will be responsible for:

Ensuring that our products and services are developed through suitable engineering processes, are compliant with legal requirements, produceable, supportable, safe and secure, fit for purpose and reliable in their intended environment.
Implementing the establishment, deployment and management of the engineering Product Governance policy and processes into the Edinburgh line of business, including capability and competency development of staff to keep current with modern tools and standards.
Working closely with the VP and the UK Engineering Design Integrity team to share expertise and recognise commonality with colleagues in other Lines of Business.Leonardo's Radar and Advanced Targeting LoB has been delivering state of the art airborne sensors for over 75 years, with a proud heritage of products. This highly successful part of Leonardo UK employs over 1,000 engineers in Edinburgh, has a strong order book and is currently developing the technologies which will equip the platforms for the 2030s and beyond. The successful candidate will be joining a team with a strong pedigree and exciting future prospects.

Progression

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo's future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit :

Key Responsibility Areas

You will be delegated by the VP Engineering Design Integrity as the independent safety and technical authority for Radar & Advanced Targeting to certify product designs on behalf of the Board, including those contracted under the Regulatory Articles (DAOS).

You will ensure the Design Integrity of Products, either directly or by delegation to an individual independent of the project hierarchy and with the required skills.
You will be responsible for the approval, through a Competency Framework, of the Radar and Advanced Targeting Independent Technical Authorities, Product Design Authorities and Design Review Chairs.
Working closely with the Quality Assurance (QA) organisation you will ensure that the products are being developed in accordance with the mandated requirements of the Product Development Lifecycle, compliant with contractual and legal requirements, are tolerably safe, secure and fit for purpose.
You will assure that any statement with respect to product or service compliance made on behalf of the Company, is independently verified.
You will support the LoB and the project teams by providing advice and clarification in planning product compliance, acting as Design Review chairman or assessor as appropriate, and facilitating access and engagement with appropriate technical expertise.
Following appropriate training you will accept delegated authority to act as "responsible person" for EU Declarations of Conformity.Leonardo offer a number of benefits:

Flexible working: We offer our employees the time and flexibility they need to enjoy a balanced life through flexible hours and part time options.
Custom working: The role may be a mixture of home based and onsite.
Flexible benefits: Our company–funded approach to flexible benefits allows employees to make choices appropriate for them. Each employee has access to a wide choice of lifestyle, health and wellbeing options best suited to their individual lifestyle goals.
Network groups : To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion we have network groups for:
Carers (employees caring for families or friends)
Enable (supporting people with disabilities)
Equalise (development of a gender balanced workforce)
Pride (promoting equality for all LGBTQ+ individuals)
We also work in partnership with AFBE (Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers).
Continuous Learning : You will be supported in your ongoing professional development though training and mentoring.
Investors in People : We are proud recipients of the Investors in People Gold Award.
Employee Assistance Programme : Providing free and confidential mental health support.
Annual leave: We offer 25 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays and 8 flexi days.To find out about all of our Company benefits please visit:

Skills, Qualification & Knowledge Required

You will be held in high technical regard by the Engineering community. You will need to have the necessary experience in the broad avionics domain, but doesn't need detailed product knowledge of Radar/Electro Optic or Laser technologies. Experience in integration and support would be an advantage.
It is essential to be proactive with the stakeholders, and to be diplomatic while understanding of the respective pressures when dealing with conflicting demands. Firmness and clarity in decision making is very important. The ability need to balance technical excellence against the needs of the business is essential.
A broad engineering background is needed: while education and training might be in one discipline, the individual must have a wide engineering knowledge base. A sound knowledge of current relevant standards and in–house processes is needed. Detailed knowledge of product safety and regulatory standards are not essential.
A Chartered Engineer, a Member or Fellow of a recognised Engineering or Science Professional body is desirable. Extensive experience of the development lifecycle of complex equipment, with a background in Engineering Management, is essential. An enthusiasm for engineering (not just technology) is also essential.
A high level of appreciation of the interaction of design, manufacturing, supply chain and support capabilities