A great career
Why is Systems Engineering such a great career?
What is Systems Engineering?
Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering and engineering management that focuses on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles. At its core, Systems Engineering utilises ‘systems thinking’ principles to organise this body of knowledge.
What is Systems Engineering?
Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering and engineering management that focuses on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles. At its core, Systems Engineering utilises ‘systems thinking’ principles to organise this body of knowledge.
Systems Engineering is BOOMING

Systems Engineering is BOOMING

Systems Engineering is BOOMING

That’s right, there’s a bigger demand for Systems Engineers, more than ever. You’ve chosen a great career path, or if you haven’t chosen just yet, then we hope this guide will help you!
First off, there’s massive demand. Why?
The products we build in today's world are becoming more integrated, with more interfaces, meaning higher levels of complexity and increased difficulty to realise and implement.
MORE THAN
OPEN ROLES IN 2023

In turn, meaning the need for trained Systems Engineers to help understand complexity and provide a structured route to developing products is really important.
Simply put, there aren’t enough Systems Engineers in the world to cope with the demand.

In turn, meaning the need for trained Systems Engineers to help understand complexity and provide a structured route to developing products is really important.
Simply put, there aren’t enough Systems Engineers in the world to cope with the demand.
In the UK alone, in 2023, there were more than 7243 open Systems Engineering roles. It is envisaged the discipline is set to grow at least 10% year on year.
MORE THAN
YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH EXPECTED
So what does that mean for you?

So what does that mean for you?

So what does that mean for you?

More opportunity, more money and more demand for your skills. If that’s not enough, then how about a career in developing complex products? You get the gist!

Opportunities
Systems engineering is currently the most sought-after engineering skillset in the UK Defence market.

Opportunities
Systems engineering is currently the most sought-after engineering skillset in the UK Defence market.

Opportunities
Systems engineering is currently the most sought-after engineering skillset in the UK Defence market.
Reward
There is a shortage of Systems Engineers in the UK and with increased demand there is a consistent rise in reward levels for Systems Engineers that outpace the standard rate of inflation. Throughout 2023, data from Systems Engineers securing new jobs shows an average increase in salary of over 10%.
UK wide
There are literally hundreds of System Engineer vacancies throughout the UK, with every region having consistent career opportunities which means no matter where in the UK home is, there will always be a job for you.
Progression and Personal Development
The LEAP programme is designed to align with the INCOSE Industry Body Competency Framework giving the skills and motivation to help you progress and design your career in a way that best suits you.
Reward
There is a shortage of Systems Engineers in the UK and with increased demand there is a consistent rise in reward levels for Systems Engineers that outpace the standard rate of inflation. Throughout 2023, data from Systems Engineers securing new jobs shows an average increase in salary of over 10%.
UK wide
There are literally hundreds of System Engineer vacancies throughout the UK, with every region having consistent career opportunities which means no matter where in the UK home is, there will always be a job for you.
Progression and Personal Development
The LEAP programme is designed to align with the INCOSE Industry Body Competency Framework giving the skills and motivation to help you progress and design your career in a way that best suits you.
Reward
There is a shortage of Systems Engineers in the UK and with increased demand there is a consistent rise in reward levels for Systems Engineers that outpace the standard rate of inflation. Throughout 2023, data from Systems Engineers securing new jobs shows an average increase in salary of over 10%.
UK wide
There are literally hundreds of System Engineer vacancies throughout the UK, with every region having consistent career opportunities which means no matter where in the UK home is, there will always be a job for you.
Progression and Personal Development
The LEAP programme is designed to align with the INCOSE Industry Body Competency Framework giving the skills and motivation to help you progress and design your career in a way that best suits you.
When you start off your career as an SE, you’ll quickly learn there are different levels of engineering. We’ve defined what each role consists of and how they map to the competency framework.
These are:

Leonardo
…what is so great about Leonardo?
Who are Leonardo?
“A key player in Aerospace, Defence and Security”
Leonardo is one of the UK's leading aerospace companies and one of biggest suppliers of Defence and Security equipment to the UK MoD, making a significant contribution to the UK economy with revenues of over £2bn
Who are Leonardo?
“A key player in Aerospace, Defence and Security”
Leonardo is one of the UK's leading aerospace companies and one of biggest suppliers of Defence and Security equipment to the UK MoD, making a significant contribution to the UK economy with revenues of over £2bn
Leonardo products, services and integrated solutions, cover every possible operating scenario: air, land, sea, space and cyberspace.
Leonardo invest in technologies that can benefit both military and civilian markets, developing dual-use and multi-functional systems for a variety of applications.
Leonardo products, services and integrated solutions, cover every possible operating scenario: air, land, sea, space and cyberspace.
Leonardo invest in technologies that can benefit both military and civilian markets, developing dual-use and multi-functional systems for a variety of applications.

Leonardo is focussed on developing its skilled workforce and recognises the national need to expand the UK’s pool of Systems Engineering resources. They are committed to the LEAP programme and expanding their engineering team with employees who can bring extensive wider knowledge to their programmes, gaining valuable employees from its success.

Leonardo is focussed on developing its skilled workforce and recognises the national need to expand the UK’s pool of Systems Engineering resources. They are committed to the LEAP programme and expanding their engineering team with employees who can bring extensive wider knowledge to their programmes, gaining valuable employees from its success.
Recruiting from the LEAP Programme at these sites:
Edinburgh Southampton Newcastle Lincoln Luton Basildon
Recruiting from the LEAP Programme at these sites:
.Edinburgh .Southampton .Newcastle. .Lincoln .Luton .Basildon
Working at Leonardo opens the door for so many career opportunities, being part of a world-class engineering and manufacturing company.

leonardo's Values
leonardo's Values
ETHICS & RESPECT
We work in an honest, loyal and reliable manner, in full compliance with the rules.
INTERNATIONALITY & MULTICULTURALISM
We operate worldwide and we respect the culture of every country.
INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE
We aim for continuous technological progress, through the creation and implementation of cutting-edge solutions.
EXPERTISE & MERIT
We support the professional growth of our people and reward those who seek and foster the success of Leonardo.
RIGHTS & SUSTAINABILITY
We do business in a sustainable manner, with a continued commitment to economic and social development, and the protection of human health and the environment.
ETHICS & RESPECT
We work in an honest, loyal and reliable manner, in full compliance with the rules.
INTERNATIONALITY & MULTICULTURALISM
We operate worldwide and we respect the culture of every country.
INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE
We aim for continuous technological progress, through the creation and implementation of cutting-edge solutions.
EXPERTISE & MERIT
We support the professional growth of our people and reward those who seek and foster the success of Leonardo.
RIGHTS & SUSTAINABILITY
We do business in a sustainable manner, with a continued commitment to economic and social development, and the protection of human health and the environment.

ex-armed forces
…committed to support and opportunities
Leonardo recognises the contribution that the members of the Armed Forces make to the nation through their service and sacrifices as a result of their duty.
Therefore, we believe therefore that we have a moral obligation to those who have served in the past – whether Regular or Reserve – to those who are now serving, as well as the families who play a significant role in supporting the Armed Forces members.

Leonardo is a supporter of the “Armed Forces Covenant”, demonstrating its pledge to the Armed Forces Community.
As part of our pledge, we commit to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in our business dealings which are:
- ‘No member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.’
- ‘In some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate for the injured or bereaved.’
Leonardo also commits to promote that we are an armed forces-friendly organisation and to publicise this within our organisation; to support the employment of young and old veterans; to support our employees who choose to be members of the Reserve Forces and to support our local cadet units, either in the local community or local schools, where possible.

Armed Forces Network Group
Leonardo's Armed Forces network group connects and supports our veterans, reservists and military family colleagues and communities. Additionally, it assists new employees as they transition from military to civilian life. For the wider Leonardo UK business, the group helps enhance our collective sense of pride in being part of UK and allied defence, through sharing stories from our veterans, reservists and military families.
Armed Forces Network Group
Leonardo's Armed Forces network group connects and supports our veterans, reservists and military family colleagues and communities. Additionally, it assists new employees as they transition from military to civilian life. For the wider Leonardo UK business, the group helps enhance our collective sense of pride in being part of UK and allied defence, through sharing stories from our veterans, reservists and military families.
Armed Forces Network Group
Leonardo's Armed Forces network group connects and supports our veterans, reservists and military family colleagues and communities. Additionally, it assists new employees as they transition from military to civilian life. For the wider Leonardo UK business, the group helps enhance our collective sense of pride in being part of UK and allied defence, through sharing stories from our veterans, reservists and military families.