Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) programme represents one of the most significant next‑generation defence avionics developments in Europe. This is a rare career‑defining opportunity to step into a pivotal national technical leadership role, at the heart of a world‑class engineering organisation with decades of expertise.
Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialists are responsible for developing robust solutions and having broad experience across a number of the lifecycle phases and must be able to demonstrate a 'through life approach’ to manufacturing engineering. Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist are expected to achieve objectives across longer term planning horizons and provide complex technical advice to both internal and external customers.
As a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist you will join the team to develop the operations manufacturing requirements of the future, taking innovative processes and equipment into account, enabling world class production of future Leonardo products.
This role will require travel to other sites such as Edinburgh, Basildon and Southampton, with an opportunity to work from home on occasion.
Lead and deliver Manufacturing Engineering sections of the Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process and create / contribute / review and/or lead Manufacturing Plans, contributing to design and phase reviews, including demonstrating Manufacturing Readiness Level reviews
Enable the future development of innovative manufacturing and testing processes for the EW domain by studying product requirements (including new materials), product/process/handling lessons learned, researching and exploring manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from internal stakeholders, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers
Ensure manufacturing and test decision-making information is robust with objectives and results through preparing product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and trends
Create a culture which improves manufacturing efficiency by generating innovative ideas and solutions developing into infrastructure, cyber security, physical security requirements for the factory of the future developing into capacity analysis, simulation planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
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, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
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.
Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
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 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
