Chief Engineer – Refrigeration

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. 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. 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. Drive systems engineering activities including requirements management, functional decomposition, interface definition, and verification strategy. Provide technical governance and approval of key engineering artefacts, including compliance matrices and qualification evidence. Ensure integration across subsystem domains including RF, digital processing, software, and electro-mechanical systems. Extensive experience in complex systems engineering, ideally within radar, sensing, or advanced electronic systems. Eligibility for UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance (mandatory). Security ClearanceWe 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.Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. 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. 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.Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. Contract Type:PermanentHybrid Working:Hybrid…