Project Engineering Lead

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

6/21/2025

Job Description

Project Engineering Lead – GCAP IRST-EOTS

We are looking for a Project Engineering Lead to deliver the UK elements of Infrared Search and Track (IRST) for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This project is tri-national and due to enter a phase where the international partners work together to interpret and define how each party contributes to the overall delivery of a critical Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS).

The PEL will play a major role in defining the engineering elements of joint working and interpret the UK elements of contributing to delivering a IRST capability. The PEL will engage a mixed engineering IPT on early lifecycle engineering tasks including Requirements Definition, Concepting, System Development, Modelling and Technology Maturation.

We are looking for a candidate who has prior experience in a leadership position. The role will require a skilled leader and experienced systems engineer in order to ensure the IPT is supported and remain focused on delivery.

Key Skills

You really must have

• Strong knowledge and practical experience of working across different stages of the engineering lifecycle.
• Good general business knowledge enabling the participation in strategic and tactical topics.
• The ability to quickly understand and break down complex problems both on your own or as part of a team
• Experience of early lifecycle system development.
• The ability to keep track and manage a diverse set of activities with many interactions and dependencies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships with engineers, managers, subject matter experts and customers
• Experience of managing, motivating and supporting multidisciplinary teams
• Good practical experience of using requirements management tools such as DOORS
• A high level of personal resilience when working in a high pressure environment.
  
  

It would be nice if you had

• Familiarity with EO sensor
• Familiarity with Defence Contracts.
• Experience with International Joint Working / Collaboration.
  
  

As a PEL you will

• Manage and report on early lifecycle EO sensor maturity activities.
• Direct line manage a system team who will conduct Requirement Management, Sensor Concept Down-Selection, System Architecture, Performance Modelling.
• Leadership of an IPT consisting of multidisciplinary Engineers will develop over time.
• Capture statements of work and engineering management arrangements that interpret the international and UK elements of the current and future phases of work.
• Ensure effective implementation of the company's Lifecycle Management process and project engineering processes are followed
• Work closely with the Engineering Management team and Chief Engineers (both in UK and Internationally) to make and enact decisions quickly within the project
• Establish and maintain good lines of communication across the project, engineering disciplines and engineering management
• Ensure your team is equipped and supported to deliver against their commitments
  
  

This role will require regular international travel and mostly onsite working due to the nature of the project.

Our Benefits

• There is quite a bit so take a look here https //uk.leonardocompany.com/en/people-careers/life-at-leonardo/company-benefits
  
  

Keep in mind

• Based on the nature of our work and government requirements, you will need to be a UK resident and Security Clearable. For a bit more info on this check here
  
  

https //www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Primary Location

GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type

Hybrid Working

Onsite