GCAP MRFS National Chief Engineer & Design Authority

Job description

Job Description

Your Impact Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Multi-function RF System (MRFS) 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, reporting to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and International System Design Authority (SDA), at the heart of a world‑class engineering organisation with decades of airborne radar expertise.

As the National Chief Engineer and Design Authority, you will provide overall technical leadership across the GCAP Multi-function RF System, within Leonardo Electronics UK. You will be accountable for system-level coherence, architecture integrity, and long-term technical strategy within a highly complex multi-national programme. Your decisions will directly influence future capability, export potential, and the UK’s position within GCAP.

The National Chief Engineer and Design Authority is a critical role within the Chief Engineering team, supporting international decision making while representing and safeguarding UK Freedom of Action and Freedom of Modification. The appropriate candidate may be asked to deputise for the International SDA when necessary. This is more than an appointment — it is a strategic leadership position with significant influence across industry and government stakeholders.

You will also be responsible for; Accountable to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and international SDA, you will act as the UK National Design Authority for GCAP Multi-function RF System. Lead the critical low observability technology development programme. Ensure that the jointly developed solution satisfies UK National objectives and aspirations. Lead system and hardware architecture, ensuring alignment across radar, multifunction capability, and wider platform integration.

Drive systems engineering activities including requirements management, functional decomposition, interface definition, and verification strategy. Lead concept generation, solution development, and trade studies across the system lifecycle. Provide technical governance and approval of key engineering artefacts, including compliance matrices and qualification evidence. Engage with national and international stakeholders across government, industry partners, and customers.

Ensure integration across subsystem domains including RF, digital processing, software, and electro-mechanical systems. Support safety, security, and airworthiness activities. Lead technical reviews and ensure robust decision-making at system level.

What You’ll Bring

Extensive experience in complex systems engineering, ideally within radar, sensing, or advanced electronic systems. Proven track record in system architecture leadership and design authority roles. Strong background in concept development and advanced system design. Ability to operate at programme and national stakeholder level. Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills. Eligibility for UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance (mandatory).

Experience within multinational defence programmes and familiarity with tools such as DOORS/Teamcenter (desirable). Security Clearance 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 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 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!

Primary Location

GB - Edinburgh Contract Type: Permanent Hybrid Working: Hybrid