Leonardo Southampton, United Kingdom

Overview

Materials Conformity Lead at Leonardo. Shape the future of defence technology through materials excellence. You will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, innovation and sustainability of materials used across our product lines. You’ll support engineering teams with high-quality, traceable material data and lead initiatives in material substitution, obsolescence risk, and regulatory compliance. This role can be hybrid and requires regular travel across our sites in the UK and overseas.

What you will do

• Lead the qualification of novel materials to meet emerging design, performance and regulatory requirements
• Ensure full traceability and availability of material data to support design engineering teams
• Oversee internal and external testing and fault analysis with partners and in-house specialists
• Grow a dynamic, small materials laboratory based in Edinburgh, evolving with business needs while adhering to safety and quality processes
• Own materials substitution programmes, reducing risk from obsolescence or supply chain constraints
• Collaboratively manage risk from evolving legislation, environmental regulations and export control requirements with procurement and compliance, supporting audits
• Support engineering teams with expert advice on materials selection, conformity and test data
• Work with the sustainability team to understand carbon footprint of materials and opportunities for material circularity

What You’ll Bring

• Higher education in a relevant STEM field at first degree level or equivalent
• Proven experience with material testing and test equipment, and associated standards – ideally in aerospace, defence or electronics
• Working knowledge of materials standards, compliance and regulatory frameworks (e.g. REACh, RoHS, NADCAP, IAEG), and data management
• Experience of team leadership or mentoring in lab or technical environments
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, procurement and external partners
• Experience creating budget proposals and resource plans to support materials development and qualification
• Analytical mindset with a hands-on approach to fault analysis and continuous improvement
• Willingness to represent Leonardo in regulatory bodies, consortiums, or standards development organisations

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 may apply, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

For more information and guidance please visit the Leonardo careers security and vetting page.

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 wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.

• Time to Recharge: generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days per year
• Secure your Future: pension scheme with employer contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters: mental health support, financial advice, and inclusion networks
• Rewarding Performance: bonus scheme for employees at management level and below
• Never Stop Learning: free access to 4,000+ online courses
• Refer a friend: financial rewards through referral program
• Tailored Perks: flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, and discounts
• Flexible working: hybrid options

Details

• Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
• Additional Locations: GB - Basildon, GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300, GB - Southampton
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hybrid Working: Hybrid