Principal Metallics Engineer – Leonardo

Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom. Primary location: GB – Edinburgh; additional locations: GB – Basildon, GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane, GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300, GB – Southampton.

Contract: Permanent. Employment type: Full-time. Hybrid working: Hybrid.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Job function: Engineering and Information Technology. Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing; Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; Computer and Network Security.

About the Role

Leonardo is establishing a new Materials and Processes Engineering Department and seeks an accomplished Principal Metallics Engineer to shape future capabilities. The role will be recognised specialist in metallics, providing expert guidance to design teams on selection and application of high‑performance materials and processes. The role is hybrid, requires regular travel across UK sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with design engineers to support design and analysis of structures using metallic materials
• Collaborate with the Additive Manufacturing team when developing novel alloys
• Engage with the supply chain to support projects during manufacture
• Develop a Metallics Design Guide based on available qualified materials
• Work closely with the Materials Conformity Lead on requirements for future materials
• Support the development of the metallics strategy
• Participate in knowledge sharing forums
• Support Design Integrity and Airworthiness teams to ensure new metallic materials used on safety‑critical applications have undergone required regulatory review
• Pro‑actively engage with projects across the UK to guide effective and efficient adoption of new metallic materials and processes
• Work closely with the sustainability team to understand the carbon footprint of materials and the potential for material circularity

What You’ll Bring

• Higher education STEM qualification at first‑degree level or equivalent, recognised by professional accreditation schemes
• Strong background in Aerospace or other high‑performance sectors
• Knowledge of a wide range of metallic materials and processes
• Demonstrated experience of design and stress analysis with metallic structures
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, procurement and external partners
• Experience of participation in design reviews
• Enthusiasm for learning and developing knowledge in a new area of the business and aptitude for leading the adoption of novel materials across wider engineering teams
• Willingness to represent the company at external events

This is not an exhaustive list; the most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, potentially requiring The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information see the company site.

Benefits

• Time to Recharge – generous leave with opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year
• Secure Your Future – 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
• Rewarding Performance – bonus scheme for all employees at management level and below
• 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 (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships etc.)
• Flexible Working – flexible hours with hybrid working options; part‑time opportunities discussed as applicable

For a full list of our company benefits visit our website.

About Leonardo

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. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We support accessibility requirements during recruitment.

Apply now to be part of something bigger.