Graduate Roles

Electronics (Basildon, Bristol, Edinburgh, Luton & Southampton)

Below is a summary of each graduate role type.

Graduate Systems Engineer

As a Leonardo Graduate Systems Engineer, you will support the design and development of Leonardo’s world-leading electro-optical, communications and information system products under the guidance of experienced Systems Engineering Leads.

You will be introduced to utilising state-of-the-art methods, technology and tools to explore all aspects of the development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, acceptance and product support. You will interface with customers (internal and external) on many factors within the design and liaise closely with engineers from all other disciplines including Mechanical, Software, Electronics, Supportability and Design Integrity.

Systems Engineers develop requirements into real world solutions using Requirement Management tools such as DOORS and developing 'models' using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink. In many cases these models are used to automatically generate operational software code.

Systems engineering is a fundamental element of all our products and as such Systems Engineering provides the support and environment necessary for learning and career development.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Working within Leonardo’s Mechanical Engineering function, this graduate role will support mechanical design, development and validation activities across a range of electronic warfare (defensive) projects.

As a high calibre engineer, you will be extremely motivated by Mechanical Engineering and committed to learning and personal development in a nurturing team environment. Your primary role is to contribute to the completion of engineering team tasks, offering lateral thinking to conceptual design and problem solving. Awareness and interest in structural and thermal analysis would be a great advantage

Graduate Electronics Engineer

As a Graduate Electronics Engineer, you will support the design and development of our world leading electro-optical, communications and information system products under the guidance of experienced Electronics Engineering Leads. You will be introduced to utilising state-of-the-art methods, technology and tools to explore all aspects of the development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, test, acceptance and product support.

You will interface with customers (internal and external) on many factors within the design and liaise closely with engineers from all other disciplines including Mechanical, Software, Systems, Supportability and Design Integrity.

The graduate programme will provide opportunities to develop expertise in the design of circuits, FPGAs and subsystems at various stages in the product lifecycle. This will include requirements capture, performance analysis, design, code, verification, validation and support to integration and qualification. You will also gain exposure to other engineering disciplines and business areas.

Graduate Software Engineer

As a graduate software engineer, you will be part of a team that is a world leader in electronic systems, with our advanced technology defining the next generation of products as well as being installed on existing helicopters, fast jets and unmanned air vehicles.

You will be exposed to the latest tools, technologies and processes with the opportunity to influence the future path of software development within Leonardo. This could be developing real-time embedded software on a complex aircraft protection system, sophisticated analysis and support tools running in a PC desk-top environment or contributing ideas to innovate the next generation of products.

Graduate Antenna Design

During this 12-month graduate programme, you will be involved in the modelling and simulation of Leonardo’s antenna designs installed on fast jets, unmanned air systems, and land and naval platforms.

You will have the opportunity to develop lifelong skills with the support of world-class experts in their field, whilst using best in class computing facilities to model cutting-edge antenna designs that meet challenging future customer requirements. You will also learn how to assess your designs in our well-equipped anechoic antenna test chambers using RF/Microwave test methods.

Graduate Microwave Designer

As a Graduate Microwave Designer, you will enjoy solving complex problems as a member of our Microwave design team. You will be involved in designing the Microwave/RF elements of our Electronic Warfare systems installed on fast jet, unmanned air vehicles, land and naval platforms.

You will develop lifelong skills, with the support of world class experts, to design Microwave/RF systems to beyond 20GHz. Additionally, you will learn how to assess your designs in our well-equipped laboratories using the latest RF/Microwave test methods. There may also be opportunities to work across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.

Graduate Firmware Designer

As a Graduate Firmware Designer, you will have the opportunity to develop expertise in the areas of mixed signal ADC/DAC and FPGA-based designs to execute high performance signal processing, communications and control algorithms. You will also learn how to assess your designs in our well-equipped laboratories to develop robust, reliable designs that will function reliably in harsh environments to enable decades of use.

There may also be opportunities to work across the UK or abroad for technical reviews, while we offer training and support if you want to work towards professional accreditation.

Graduate Electronics Hardware Engineer / Architect

As a Graduate Electronics Hardware Engineer / Architect, you will have the opportunity to develop expertise in the areas of mixed signal ADC/DAC and FPGA-based designs to execute high performance signal processing, communications and control algorithms. You will also learn how to assess your designs in our well-equipped laboratories to develop robust, reliable designs that will function reliably in harsh environments to enable decades of use.

There may also be opportunities to work across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.

Graduate Industrial Engineer

As a Graduate Industrial Engineer, you will perform a range of technical and practical tasks required to deliver effective manufacturing capabilities to meet the business requirements, supporting manufacturing process lines and new product introduction teams.

You will develop a thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques and how to apply them within the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Way, as well as researching, identifying and implementing improvements to the manufacturing processes and systems in use.

Graduate Procurement

As a Procurement Graduate, you will work closely with colleagues in other departments (such as Engineering and Manufacturing), both to learn the key role Procurement plays in an Integrated Project Team (IPT) based business model and to develop the collaboration skills necessary to influence the relationship with our suppliers.

Whether you are helping set supplier strategies, selecting new suppliers or managing their day-to-day performance, you will receive high quality support and mentoring, backed by a strong network of procurement professionals on your site and across the UK.

Graduate Project Manager

As a Graduate Project Manager, you will assist in the Project Management of tasks or projects, achieving the successful delivery of a solution or project that is compliant with customer, contractual and legislative requirements, and adheres to deadlines, cost and quality.

The programme provides the opportunity to learn to lead and develop a project team, ensuring work is resourced and allocated effectively by coordinating within an Integrated Project Team (IPT) to satisfy project requirements while following business lifecycle management process. This could also extend to making recommendations for consideration by senior management.

Graduate Laser Engineer

As a Graduate Laser Engineer, you will be part of a world-class optics and laser development team in Edinburgh which provides cutting-edge solutions into the global defence sector.

The role will support one of the largest manufacturers of traditional solid-state military lasers in the design, development and integration of laser products and associated test solutions. There will be an emphasis on practical work in the development laboratories and manufacturing facility, and you will be involved in the analysis and modelling of laser behaviour. There are also opportunities in the field of fibre lasers, a new technology development area for Leonardo.

Graduate Quality Engineer

As a Graduate Quality Engineer, you will be part of our multi-disciplinary integrated project teams (IPT) in Edinburgh, contributing to solving real-life engineering problems on state-of-the-art avionics sensor systems.

The role offers an exciting and challenging Quality Engineering opportunity for new graduates with a quality, manufacturing or business-based degree. Systems on which you could be working include: radars for the Typhoon or SAAB Gripen fighter jets; our family of Surveillance Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars; Infra–Red Counter Measures (IRCM); or a laser target designator or ranging system.

Graduate Supportability Engineer

As a Graduate Supportability Engineer, your role will directly impact those on the front line, planning cost-effective support of equipment through its life. This will ensure end-users have the right tools, spares and training to do the job under pressure.

Supportability engineers are involved in the whole lifecycle of a product (from concept to disposal) and work with design engineers, equipment suppliers, production teams and end users.

Through our graduate programme, you will gain an understanding of all functions within the department and undertake specific tasks which contribute to the processes, knowledge or deliverables of the company.

Graduate Manufacturing Engineer

As a Graduate Manufacturing Engineer, you will be given the opportunity to work in a challenging and dynamic environment, working as part of a small team of New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineers, facilitating the introduction of new products into manufacturing and providing support to the manufacturing organisation.

Graduates are given the opportunity to explore a number of the aspects of the development lifecycle including requirements analysis and definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, test and through-life support.

Graduate Design Integrity Engineer

As a Graduate Design Integrity Engineer, you will be train in the Design Integrity Function, developing your understanding of engineering governance and specialist systems knowledge into engineering projects. These are likely to cover areas such as product compliance safety, security and configuration management.

Once your graduate training programme is complete, you will have gained a good understanding of product legislation and certification, product safety, product INFOSEC compliance and overall system configuration management.

Helicopters (Yeovil)

Below is a summary of each graduate role type.

The graduate programme in Helicopters is designed to support your first steps after leaving university and to help you develop your career. Alongside the core placements, the scheme supports your personal development, such as DISC profiling and personal branding workshops, all with the aim of making you in to an all-round professional.

The scheme is a fantastic way to gain practical experience in a wide spectrum of disciplines which a direct entry position cannot always offer. Upon successfully completing the graduate programme, the plan will be to transition you into a full-time role within the company, with a vision to progress within Leonardo.

Engineering Graduate – Product Support Engineering within Customer Support

The Customer Support Graduate Development Programme is designed to support your first steps after leaving university and to help you develop your career. Through a comprehensive two-year programme, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will have the opportunity to learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the Customer Support department including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business, typically Engineering or Operations.  The graduate scheme is a fantastic way to gain practical experience in a wide spectrum of disciplines which a direct entry position cannot always offer. Additionally, you can begin to build a network of contacts, which will assist you in your future development. Alongside the core placements, the graduate scheme supports your personal development, such as DISC profiling and personal branding workshops, all with the aim of making you in to an all-round professional. Upon successfully completing the scheme the plan is to transition you into a full time role within Customer Support, with a vision to progress within Leonardo.

Engineering Graduate – Core Engineering

Through a comprehensive two-year programme based in Yeovil, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically, your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the Engineering department, including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business.

Business Graduate – International Campaigns

Through a comprehensive two-year programme based in Yeovil, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically, your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the international campaigns department, including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business.

Business Graduate – Procurement and Supply Chain

Through a comprehensive two-year programme based in Yeovil, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically, your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the Procurement department, including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business.

Business Graduate – Programme Management Graduate

Through a comprehensive two-year programme based in Yeovil, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically, your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the Product and Programmes department, including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business.

Business Graduate – Transmissions Graduate

Through a comprehensive two-year programme based in Yeovil, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the Transmissions department including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business.

Business Graduate – UK Government Business Unit and Export

Through a comprehensive two-year programme based in Yeovil, you will have the chance to gain a complete understanding of the organisation and be involved in real challenges from day one. You will learn from colleagues who are experts in their field, while always being encouraged to use your initiative.

Typically your placements will consist of 3-6 month rotations across the UK Government Business Unit (UKGBU) department, including the opportunity to do an external placement elsewhere in the business. The UKGBU provides the link between the customer and our world-class manufacturing and engineering business, focusing on In-Service Delivery and Business Acquisition activities. The UKGBU delivers capability to the UK Armed Forces via an innovative contracting and through-life approach by sustained skills and design authority support, and by achieving best in class service provision.

Early Careers application process

Stage 1 – Application Form

The first stage of the application process is to complete the application form and upload your CV for the desired role you want to apply for.

Please note: in order to apply for our opportunities, you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of 5 years’ permanent residency in the UK.


Stage 2 – On-Demand Video & Game-based Assessments

online assessment screenshot

If you pass the Eligibility Questionnaire you will automatically be sent an invitation to complete the on-demand video interview and game-based assessments.

Given the limited roles available and the large numbers of applications we are receiving, we strongly recommend that you complete the following two activities as soon as you receive confirmation of your eligibility.

On Demand Video Interview – You will be asked several competency-based questions, providing you with the opportunity to record a video of yourself answering each one. Some practice questions will get you comfortable with the process and the HireVue platform. Once you have completed the practice questions, you will begin the interview. 

Game-based Assessments – Once you have completed the Video interview, you will complete the game-based assessments, featuring two timed games that you will be scored on.

After completing both sections, you will receive an email thanking you and noting that you will hear from Leonardo soon.


Stage 3 – Interview & Presentations

screenshot of an interview

If you are successful after the On-demand and Game-based Assessments, you will be contacted to arrange a live interview. During the live interview, you will be asked to complete a presentation which is relevant to the role.

Below is what you will see during the interview process, along with instructions on how to share your screen if you have a PowerPoint that you want to share as part of your presentation.

You will be presented with three options for sharing your screen:

  1. Your entire screen
  2. Application Window
  3. NW.js Tab.

Please click the Application window option and select the correct window to display your presentation.


Stage 4 – Offer

After the interview and presentation, we will provide all candidates with feedback. If you are successful in your application, the Leonardo recruitment team will subsequently contact you to formally offer you the role.

Our early careers opportunities starting in autumn 2023 are now open. Please note that our early careers roles attract a high volume of applicants who are screened on a first come first serve basis. As a result, applications will be closed when each role is filled.


Video: Leonardo in the UK Graduate Scheme

Hear from some of our graduates across the UK about what they have gained from being on Leonardo's graduate scheme, including working on different projects and products, travelling abroad, supporting STEM initiatives and the benefits of flexible working.

Early Career Opportunities within Leonardo

Download our Early Careers brochure for information about Leonardo's UK apprenticeships, graduate programme, industrial placements, summer placements and work experience opportunities.

Early Career Opportunities within Leonardo