Principal Software Engineer - Test Environments (GCAP)

Salary: £54,000 - £70,000

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Role Overview

Develop Test Environments for a complex aerospace programme, from strategy through to implementation. Play a key role in the defence programme of national and international importance. Working within the Future Combat Air Line of Business, help deliver robust test capabilities for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), including test rigs, integrated test solutions, simulation environments, bespoke software, and test frameworks. GCAP will deliver Tempest, the sixth generation combat aircraft that will replace the Royal Air Force's Typhoon fleet from 2035. Leonardo UK is leading the development of advanced Integrated Sensing and Non Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications System (ICS) technologies, including sensing, communications, data fusion, machine learning, and defensive aids systems. Work closely with the Ministry of Defence and international industry partners to develop, integrate, verify, and validate these advanced capabilities. This role can be based at any Leonardo Electronics UK site and will involve occasional travel.

• Develop software and test solutions that support physical and digital test capabilities.
• Deliver test environments across multiple levels, from subsystem integration through to hardware in the loop and simulation environments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define Test Environment requirements and support programme objectives.
• Contribute to the GCAP ISANKE and IC Test Environments roadmap.
• Support the delivery of innovative test and compliance solutions across the programme.
• Work with Engineering, Procurement, IT, and Manufacturing teams to enable both synthetic and airborne trials.
• Deliver solutions to agreed cost, schedule, and quality targets, while supporting proof of concept and demonstration activities within the UK and internationally, particularly to Italy and Japan.

• A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, together with experience delivering software solutions within a complex engineering environment.
• Experience in software development across the full engineering lifecycle using Agile methodologies.
• Experience developing test environments, test frameworks, or test automation solutions.
• Experience with simulation, modelling, hardware in the loop (HIL), or systems integration activities.
• Experience working with systems engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Experience with requirements capture, verification, validation, and acceptance activities.
• Experience with digital engineering approaches and hybrid physical/synthetic test environments.
• Experience with software architectures, interfaces, and data integration within complex systems.
• Experience with engineering governance, quality standards, and regulated environments.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for solving complex engineering challenges.

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 referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance visit

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi days each year.
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 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: 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.
• Tailored Perks: 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.

• Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
• Additional Locations: GB - Basildon, GB - Edinburgh, GB - Lincoln, GB - Newcastle, GB - Southampton
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hybrid Working: Onsite; International, multicultural, innovative, technological

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. Our employees are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.