Lead Combat Systems Engineer

Location: Farnborough, with flexibility to work from home dependent on business demands

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and security-cleared Maritime Combat Systems Engineer (MCSE) to lead the design and implementation of a Combat System for the Leidos Sea Dagger, a brand new naval combat platform.

The candidate will have extensive experience working in the defence industry, with specific expertise in maritime combat, C2 and Combat Management systems, data networks and architectures, mission systems, and C4ISR integration as well as understanding of overall platform design and architecture.

This role will include selecting, implementing, integrating and setting to work various combat system capabilities drawn from Industry partners and internally Leidos generated products.

A key element of this role will be integration of Agentic AI systems into the combat system with a strong focus on autonomous systems. Familiarity with Strike Net and other emergent naval systems would be advantageous.

The MCSE will report directly to the Maritime Chief Engineer and will be responsible for the delivery of the Combat Systems, supporting the various trials that will allow the acceptance of the new platform into service with the UK Royal Navy.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the implementation of the platform combat system, including Strike Net, ATAK, communications, navigation, Combat Management System and the integrated platform management systems for the new Sea Dagger platform.
• Lead the definition, selection and build out of the Compute stack hosting the Combat System
• Support with the generation and Acceptance of User and System level requirements defining the operational need for the Combat System element to the Sea Dagger platform.
• Engage with military stakeholders, engineering teams, partners and subcontractors to define and validate combat system solutions and to understand and influence technical roadmaps.
• Review and implement solutions to ensure compliance with military standards, safety, and security requirements (e.g., DEF STAN, STANAG, MIL-STD).
• Support bid and proposal efforts by contributing to the associated governance of the Combat Systems solution design and supporting technical proposal and costing reviews.
• Conduct trade studies and support design reviews to assess system performance, scalability, and interoperability.
• Support the provision of governance and oversight across engineering delivery to ensure technical alignment and integration across maritime opportunities.
• Stay abreast of emerging and cutting edge technologies and industry trends to drive innovation and system improvement including but not limited to uncrewed systems, advanced comms and AI.

What does Leidos need from me?

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in Combat Systems Engineering implementation and delivery within the defence maritime domain.
• Strong understanding of naval platforms (surface ships, UAVs/USVs, Strike Net) and their mission requirements.
• Experience in technical governance/sign off and technical Combat System design authority roles
• Understanding of overarching maritime autonomy principles and strategy, able to use this to influence and implement Leidos technical strategy and direction
• Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle (ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288), MBSE, and digital twin concepts.
• Experience of combat systems and combat management systems integration and setting to work.
• Hands-on experience with architecture frameworks (e.g., MODAF, NAF, TOGAF) and tools (e.g., Sparx EA, Cameo).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, safety, and information assurance in defence systems.
• Strong stakeholder management and technical leadership skills.

It would be great if you also had:

• Experience with multinational defence programs or NATO interoperability standards.
• Understanding of shipbuilding programs, integrated logistics support (ILS), and lifecycle sustainment.
• Exposure to AI, autonomy, or edge computing technologies in maritime settings.

Clearance Requirements:

• Clearance to Start
• BPSS
• Clearance for Role
• SC
• Must be UK Citizen holding or able to hold SC clearance

What we do for you:At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.
We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:

• Contributory Pension Scheme

• Private Medical Insurance

• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)

• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)

• Flexi-Time Working

Commitment to Diversity:

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.

Who We Are:

Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.

Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

What Makes Us Different:

Purpose: you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about safe. We are at the forefront of machine learning, AI, cyber security and solutions. Using your skills in the technology frontline by helping to build a safer world. You can inspire change.

Collaboration: having flexibility to do your job is one of our core benefits, enabling you to become part of our extraordinary team. We have been empowering our people to work flexibly for years. Whether you work from home, the office or on customer sites, we will give you the digital tools and the flexibility to work smarter and align your needs and ours.

People: Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growthwhilst developing. We believe that extraordinary people need opportunities to grow, to be inspired and to inspire others. At Leidos, we invest in technical academies, career rotations and a career development plans that enhance your future.

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

£61,500.00-£78,800.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.