Senior / Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior or Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join our team on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The Global Combat Air Programme is a Multinational Initiative led by the UK, Japan and Italy to jointly develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter.

We are looking for someone with a robust background in manufacturing engineering, preferably experienced in NPI (New Product Introduction) and Electro-Optics.

If you are enthusiastic about manufacturing, innovation, and ready to take on exciting challenges, we want to hear from you. This is your chance to be part of a forward-thinking team that is setting new standards in manufacturing excellence from the ground up. Join us and help shape the future of the GCAP program through your dedication and expertise.

You will join the team to develop, improve and support the operations manufacturing processes and equipment enabling world class production of Leonardo products. You will be responsible for developing robust solutions, considering the impact of their work on broader project issues. You will be expected to plan and deliver your own work and provide complex technical advice to both internal and external customers and will be responsible for developing others.

Leonardo is an international leader in the development of cutting‑edge sensor products deployed across a wide range of airborne platforms. Pushing the boundaries of technology, accuracy, and safety in engineering globally.

The role will be based in Edinburgh and will be primarily on-site.

Your Impact

In this role, you will be responsible for the smooth transition of our new products from design into manufacture and will lead front-end manufacturing engineering activities, from providing DFx input (primarily design for manufacturing, assembly & test) into the design, to solving production capability issues. Your skills will help to ensure that new products are introduced into operations in a timely, efficient, cost effective and accurate manner.

• Develop manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from Leonardo operators, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers
• To prepare for and organise Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process and create/ contribute/ review and/or lead Manufacturing Plans.
• Review manufacturing documentation can include input to process specific risk assessments, COSHH data, technical reports, specification
• Assure product and process quality by designing methods; validation/verification of process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes
• Contribute to failure investigations utilising known problem‑solving techniques (e.g. 8D)
• Identify continuous improvement activities to develop skills and competencies within Manufacturing Engineering
• Complete improvement and development projects by training and interacting with the organisations manufacturing engineer community
• Opportunities to Travel UK/Worldwide (Supplier visits)

You will be provided with a wealth of development opportunities in both virtual and applied working environments.

At Leonardo we value individuals who continuously demonstrate a dedication to their personal development. We have partnered with Coursera, the world leading online training platform that offers around 4,000 courses you can sign up to, according to your professional and personal interests. Self-directed learning thrives in this environment.

What you'll bring

• Essential – Manufacturing engineering ability, either through qualification HNC, or equivalent experience and knowledge
• Desirable – HND or above in an engineering related discipline
• Confidence and ability to challenge / respond to technical / process issues
• Understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning APQP methodologies and tools (PFMEA, Guage studies, Design of experiments), New Product Introduction, and familiarity with risk assessment and root cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to influence and negotiate with others using data and analysis to support line of reasoning
• Ability to take ownership of a work package; planning and scheduling own workload
• Ability to communicate concepts in a non-technical wayBeen involved in capability and / or process development, demonstrating an ability to implement a change to working practices
• Knowledge and experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle and the associated processes.

Security Clearance

This role is open to UK nationals only and 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) shall apply, including meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

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. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• 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).
• Rewarding Performance : All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning : Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks : Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is bench marked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

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.

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Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite

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