Test Capability Lead - Global Combat Air Programme

Job Description:Can you develop and lead a complex Test Capability programme from strategy into implementation? Would you like a once-in-a-generation opportunity to play a fundamental role in a Defence programme of critical National importance, and to shape the future of Combat Air capability in the UK? The Test Capability Lead is a new and exciting leadership role within the Future Combat Air (FCA) Line of Business (LoB) that will enable Leonardo to meet the challenges of a highly successful and growing business. The role will provide focus on delivering a robust and effective test capability (rigs, test solutions, bespoke software development and frameworks) in support of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). GCAP will deliver Tempest, the 6th Generation fighter aircraft that will replace the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet in the 2035 timescales.Leonardo UK, responsible for the Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications System (ICS) Domain, is pushing the technical boundaries associated with advanced tactical sensing, data fusion, communications, machine learning, defensive aids systems and through life services, which collectively will enable Tempest to survive and operate in highly contested threat environments. We are working closely with the Ministry of Defence and industry partners to integrate these capabilities within the Tempest combat aircraft and establish the enterprise-enabling infrastructure.Given the nature of the work at this level, we are able to offer custom working, however some on-site working is expected for the purposes of collaboration and secure working but can be based from any of our Electronics UK sites. In addition, this role will require travel within the UK, mainly to our other Leonardo Electronics sites. GCAP is an international endeavour and the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to travel overseas to work with colleagues in Italy and Japan.This exciting role spans the GCAP Portfolio and you will be leading the technical development of our Test Capability activities.What you’ll doAs the Test Capability Lead for GCAP, you will:Gather inputs from the technical development stakeholders in order to capture their Test Capability needs in support of the wider programme’s Test & Evaluation plans, working to identify required schedules, dependencies, constraints and opportunities.Work closely with stakeholders within the engineering and capability teams across the UK to develop a GCAP ISANKE & ICS Domain Test Capability roadmap. This will include use of novel approaches to compliance and with reference to future changes in applicable standards and regulations.Ensure alignment with the overall GCAP and internal engineering roadmaps to achieve an integrated, end-to-end GCAP ISANKE & ICS Domain Test Capability based on the latest engineering good practice, which supports the overall GCAP programme objectives and internal Leonardo Engineering Strategies.Represent Leonardo as an SME and provide support to industry engagement across GCAP on the wider Test Capability Strategy topics. This includes liaising with international and UK partners to discuss and influence future ways of working on GCAP and then plan a transformation solution that works across the whole ISANKE & ICS Domain.Build a team to turn that roadmap into reality to support a range of synthetic environment trials and enable exploitation into airborne trials, working with stakeholders outside of the Project Team, including but not limited to Procurement, Future Factory, IT, etc. Implement and deliver the Test Capabilities (processes, methods, tools, technology, people) into GCAP using a systematic approach.Develop and deliver the Test Capability roadmap to quality, budget and schedule, in line with the wider programme schedules and budgets. Plan proof-of-concept and proof-of-value demonstrations - providing confidence that the new services meet the time and cost goals for the GCAP programme.BenefitsTo find out about all of our Company benefits : What we’re looking forIdeally, we are looking for a systems thinker, someone with:A degree in a relevant Science / Technology / Engineering / Maths discipline or similar experienceA good level of Systems Engineering practitioner capability across the entire lifecycle.Enthusiasm to take on new challengesA passion for knowledge sharing and developing othersAbility to develop close relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to understand, interpret, and influence current and future user needs and requirements.Ability to define and develop requirements in an uncertain domainEffective and flexible communicator, troubleshooting and problem solving skillsAnalysis and definition of effective test capabilities within a range of lifecycle methodologiesExperience of developing strategic roadmapsExperience of building effective teamsExperience of developing and delivering automated test capabilities into complex environmentsSecurity ClearanceYou must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance, please visit: Diversity StatementWe are relentless about inclusion. We understand an inclusive environment is one that welcomes everyone as they are. We see diversity as a strength. We still have some way to go to achieving diverse teams across our whole business. We would like you to be part of our journey to creating that better balance and welcome applications from all individuals from all walks of life as we build a stronger company together.BackgroundLeonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are UK-based.This role is part of the Future Combat Air (FCA) Line of Business within the Electronics Division of Leonardo. The Division designs, develops and builds complex electronic systems and services for the global defence market. FCA acts as a Prime Contracting Office (PCO) on behalf of the division for large-scale contracts, such as TEAM TEMPEST and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).Working with industry partners and taking lead from the RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office and the Ministry of Defence the successful candidate will be part of the systems team developing the sensing and effector command and control System for the next generation of combat air capabilities.The role provides the opportunity to operate at the cutting edge of technological innovation for the development of advanced technical capabilities ensuring the UK's position as a global leader in combat air.