Systems Architect

at  Leonardo UK Ltd

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you capable of creating clear architectural development strategies across a product portfolio?
• Able to create clear architectural vision for multidisciplinary development teams on complex programmes?
  At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity within the Electronic Warfare (EW) Line of Business (LoB) for a Systems Architect.
  As part of our EW LoB strategy and Systems Engineering Improvement Plan, we are creating new and exciting roles aimed at transforming the way we operate. This is one of those new opportunities as a Systems Architect.
  The Systems Architect acts as the focal point for managing and generating high level technical and enterprise architectures, bringing together development across multiple programmes in the EW area. The role will provide a clear point of contact on Systems Architecting for Capability, Chief Engineers and the Head of Systems Engineering.
  What we build is exciting, interesting, challenging and complex. From a diverse product portfolio of airborne RF sensing technologies, through to designing and developing integrated toolset solutions, with each programme at a different stage in its development lifecycle. Given the complexity it requires a cross cutting approach to systems architectural development.

The focus of this role is to provide direction, guidance and expertise to ensure:

• Coherent development of overall architecture of EW systems solutions across multiple complex programmes and at all layers of abstraction.
• Contribute to a clear Architectural Vision, supporting Capability roadmaps, for development of products in the short, medium and long term.
• Support the continued development of Architecting methodologies in the Systems Engineering Function

We are looking for someone passionate about our products, with a systems-thinking approach, you will thrive in dynamic environments, with the ability to make decisions quickly under pressure and set a clear vision for the team.
Given the nature of the work at this level we are able to offer custom working, however some on-site working is expected.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Ideally, we are looking for a systems thinker, someone with:

• Experience in creating and defining architectures and interfaces for complex hardware and software solutions.
• Experience in managing and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment at a senior level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, proven ability to build trust and respect at different levels.
• Experience of integration, with an understanding of emergent properties, potential resultant issues, cost and schedule implications, and potential mitigations.
• Tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver outputs and results.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As the Systems Architect for the EW LoB, you will:

• Lead the development of solution strategies, approaches and roadmaps for the EW LoB in line with Capability roadmaps, leaning on industry standard approaches such as Product Line Engineering, as well as being able to innovate and tailor as required.
• Lead the production of candidate system solutions and architectures at all levels of abstraction and lead key decision making activities to support evaluation of these against cost, value and compliance and an understanding of appropriate inclusion and identification of design margins.
• Define and document enterprise level procedures, guidance and best practice for system architecting and associated tools
• Work with the Bid & Project Manager to estimate the cost based on alternative solutions and approaches
• Responsible for architectural decision making including trade off analysis and supplier/partnership strategies
• Responsible for thought leadership within the relevant stakeholder communities, including white papers, conferences, networking, reports and presentations as applicable.
• Contribute to development of enterprise architectures across campaigns and programmes
• Contribute to the initiation and development of external strategic relationships to enable delivery
• Travel within the UK to meet with our customers and industry partners.
• Support to the development and embedding of appropriate Systems Architecting methodologies, processes and initiatives within the sector.

The focus of this role is to provide direction, guidance and expertise to ensure:

• Coherent development of overall architecture of EW systems solutions across multiple complex programmes and at all layers of abstraction.
• Contribute to a clear Architectural Vision, supporting Capability roadmaps, for development of products in the short, medium and long term.
• Support the continued development of Architecting methodologies in the Systems Engineering Functio