Lead Electro Magnetic Materials and Apertures Scientist

Leonardo UK

Lead Electro Magnetic Materials and Apertures Scientist

Salary Not Specified

Leonardo UK, Fryerns, Basildon

  • Full time
  • Permanent
  • Onsite working

Posted 2 weeks ago, 3 May | Get your application in now before you miss out!

Closing date: Closing date not specified

job Ref: 533ae6e96f0f4b9aa85935e4b08d483a

Full Job Description

As a Lead EM Materials and Apertures Scientist, you will be working with a specialist team, where you will develop experience and expertise in applying Electromagnetic principles to the design and integration of sensors suitable for use on low observable and other airborne platforms. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from a wide range of technical experts in the wider areas of antenna design, mechanical engineering and material science, not only within Leonardo, but also from the wider UK team. You will be involved in various stages of development from the concept stage through hardware design, development, manufacture, and design proving and measurement. You will be able to develop an exciting and fulfilling career within our Engineering team and gain exposure to current and novel technologies within this field.

As part of a growing UK wide team, and depending on your skills and expertise, work may include:

  • The development of existing product and advanced research into cutting-edge solutions for both new and existing platforms.

  • Undertake or Manage research into advanced Meta-Materials / Meta-surfaces / Frequency Selective Surfaces, including (but not limited to) their electrical and mechanical designs.

  • Maintain an understanding of current UK research themes from academia and bring new materials and fabrication techniques into the programme.

  • Technical assessment and modelling of system or subsystem design to ensure compatibility with overall system performance.

  • Using various EM simulation codes (e.g. CST Microwave Studio and FEKO) to analyse and optimise the design and installation impacts of sensors on a 'stealthy' vehicle.

  • Present results and designs through both written reports and oral presentations.

  • You will provide technical assistance and guidance to others, whilst promoting a culture of sharing best practice and process improvement.


  • We will support you in your technical and professional development and provide challenging technical work to allow you to excel. Based upon your skills and foundation knowledge, we will assess where your knowledge and skills would best fit and discuss options with you.

    You will have a Degree in a STEM subject (Physics, Mathematics, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, System Engineering, or other science-based subject) and experience / Education in at least one of the following areas of Electromagnetics: Low Observables (LO), Stealth Technology, Radio frequency (RF) design, Antenna design/modelling/measurement or Computational Electromagnetic Modelling (CEM). Excellent numerical problem-solving skills and an aptitude for lateral thinking and the ability to assimilate complicated topics quickly and possess strong communication skills to convey complex subjects to our teams.,
  • A Master's Degree or PhD in a subject such as Physics, Antenna Design, Propagation, Electromagnetics, Microwave engineering, Data Analysis of measured data, etc.

  • Working knowledge of CST Microwave Studio or similar EM modelling tools.

  • Scientific programming experience. MATLAB is a preferred tool but knowledge of other languages is acceptable if it suggests an easy adaptation to MATLAB.

  • A theoretical or practical knowledge of antenna / EM materials measurements.

  • Measurement experience using standard equipment (VNA, Spectrum Analyser, etc.).

  • Meets the requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council and preferably is a member of a relevant Professional Body.

  • Experience of managing relationships with customers and suppliers., All successful applicants must be eligible for full security clearance and access to UK-caveated and ITAR controlled information. For more information and guidance, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

    EO / LO or LO / EO? If you have experience with Electro Optical and/or Low Observable technologies, then we want to talk to you. Leonardo is working with the UK Ministry of Defence to develop the technologies needed for the next generation of combat air vehicles. This is a fantastic opportunity for scientists/engineers to further their careers in the development of Low Observable (LO) sensors for integration on future airborne platforms.


  • Leonardo's long heritage in sensor development spans technologies such as Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electro Optic & Infrared sensing, and Communications. We design and produce innovative sensing products and solutions that are supplied to both Defence and Commercial customers worldwide.

    This roles are based on site in either in Southampton, Basildon or Bristol on a hybrid basis.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for you to utilise and develop your current skills within an industry leading technology company. Working on real engineering problems, designing and developing solutions that sit at the heart of our products… Not to mention, we offer an award winning package., Leonardo 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 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

    A competitive salary based on your experience and skills and an award winning benefits package that includes;
  • Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us.

  • Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)

  • Holidays: Up to 45 days holiday! …25 days, plus bank holidays and opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year. There is also an option to buy/sell leave.

  • Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 23% total contribution)

  • Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)

  • Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme

  • Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera

  • Bonus Scheme: (role dependent)