Senior Defence Analytics Engineer

Job description

Job Description

The opportunity: Our Central London team is looking for talented and enthusiastic modelling and simulation practitioners to create and integrate weapon system models for our UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) customer. The role will suit either recent STEM graduates, postgraduates, or those with relevant industry experience of engineering models who wish to apply their abilities in an aerospace modelling and simulation environment.

This is intended as a fulltime position, but we would consider part time working of 4 days per week. The type of project will you be working on: Customer Integration: You will be a member of a weapons project team within our larger Defence Analytics Group working in Central London. The group is integrated into a joint unit with government employees, members of the armed forces, and other contractors.

The Challenge

To create dynamic computer models for internal and external simulation environments to assess the performance and capability of weapon systems. Complex systems are modelled primarily in MATLAB/Simulink, exercised to answer customer questions, and exported for integration into customers’ modelling environments.

Collaboration

You will be working in close liaison with teams within the UK and partner nations, with the opportunity to contribute, influence, challenge and improve joint ways of working and knowledge.

Breadth

You will be working in an environment where both the complexity and capabilities of the systems are continually evolving throughout the world.

What you’ll do as a Defence Analytics Engineer

Produce computer models of weapons systems, exercise them in-house, and aid the integration of these models in customers’ simulation environments. Produce reports and presentations of your work and present them to local MOD customers and the wider community both within the UK and partner nations. Provide ad hoc advice and support to MOD customers, often at short notice. Use your developing experience and knowledge to propose and implement improvements to tools and processes.

In conjunction with the project team conduct regular liaison with both MOD and the wider customer base to keep them informed of recent developments and to determine future analysis requirements. Seek co-operative and collaborative approaches with our UK and multi-national partners, identifying best practice. Travel for technical exchanges with our partners, in the UK and abroad.

What we need from you

A good understanding of scientific methods and their use through the application of fundamental physical principles. A degree in a STEM subject and strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to apply these to real world problems through modelling and simulation. Knowledge of aerospace technologies such as aerodynamics, propulsion, sensors, guidance and control would be an advantage.

Experience in some of the following programming languages

MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, C# and/or Python. Good interpersonal skills which allow you to work collaboratively and effectively within an inter-disciplinary team. Ability to problem solve and self-steer work to deadlines as necessary, sometimes at short notice. Ability to communicate, both in writing and verbally, with audiences of differing technical backgrounds and seniority.

It would be nice if you had

Experience of defence modelling and simulation environments, customers and requirements would be an advantage.

What you will get

Impact: You will help ensure that MOD’s weapon assessments are robust and delivered in a timely manner to UK Defence partners and front-line forces. This will be in the form of computer models and product generated from these models.

Opportunity

To play a key role in MOD weapon assessment which is a critical input to MOD’s equipment procurement programs.

Knowledge

You will develop a detailed understanding of weapon systems and how they operate, and how to encapsulate that understanding and assessment in a dynamic computer model.

Skills

You will develop a range of analytical, software and interpersonal skills.

Insights

Working within a Leonardo team that is fully integrated with its MOD customer will provide an excellent opportunity to see up-close how the MOD operates and interacts with its customers and partners.

Teamwork

You will work with a diverse technical team in a highly collaborative, multi-national environment.

Delegation

It is expected that you will steer tasks, processes and improvement initiatives. Security Clearance You will have, or be able to obtain, UK national security clearances appropriate for sensitive assessment work.

For more information and guidance please visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vetting-explained-and-our-vetting-charter 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. For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. 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 benchmarked against the external market.

Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity. 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! #LI-JP1 Primary Location: GB - London - Whitehall Contract Type: Permanent Hybrid Working: Onsite