Lead Configuration and Data Engineer

Our Design Integrity function is currently recruiting for Lead Configuration and Data Engineer to oversee an expanding portfolio of world class Mission Critical and Flight Safety‑Involved Systems deployed across Land, Sea and Air domains. You will support and oversee the internal Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across the Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) line of business. You will provide technical leadership for the configuration and data teams, define, implement and maintain the Configuration Management process across the full lifecycle of aerospace, civil and defence programmes, ensuring all product baselines are defined in accordance with contractual, regulatory and company standards throughout the product lifecycle. This role is hybrid and can be based near Bristol, Edinburgh, Luton, Southampton, Newcastle, Basildon or Lincoln.

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• Ensuring the integrity and traceability of all configuration items (CIs) across hardware, software and documentation used across the line of business.
  
• Identification, agreement and control of configuration items in alignment with programme and regulatory requirements.
  
• Approval and oversight of configuration management plans, including baselines, updates and change implementation plans.
  
• Ensuring compliance with the Five Pillars of Configuration Management and all relevant aerospace and defence standards.
  
• Defining, documenting and controlling CIs, baselines (Functional, Allocated, Product, As‑Built, As‑Maintained) and their relationships in PLM systems.
  
• Managing changes via First Pass Filters (FPF), Configuration Control Boards (CCB) and Configuration Implementation Boards (CIB) to ensure structured, compliant change approval and embodiment.
  
• Capturing, maintaining and reporting CI status, change records and KPIs, providing actionable intelligence to the line of business.
  
• Planning and leading Functional Configuration Audits (FCA), Physical Configuration Audits (PCA) and internal/supplier audits to verify conformity between design, production and documentation.
  
• Establishing the Configuration Management Plan (CMP), managing team capacity, workload forward‑load, training and KPI performance to ensure governance aligns with programme and contractual obligations.
  

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• Lead the evaluation, classification and management of Class I and Class II changes, ensuring appropriate review, approval and traceability.
  
• Chair first‑pass filter for all proposed changes, ensuring they meet standards before progressing to formal review.
  
• Chair or actively participate in Configuration Implementation Boards (CIB) and Change Control Boards (CCB), providing technical guidance and ensuring informed decisions.
  
• Assess the impact of proposed changes across design, production, operations, supply chain and security.
  
• Lead internal audits of configuration and change‑control processes, ensuring findings are addressed and corrective actions implemented.
  
• Manage supplier configuration audits and assessments to ensure compliance with standards and contractual obligations.
  
• Act as the point of escalation for supplier‑related configuration issues and drive resolution.
  
• Good working knowledge of Teamcenter Unified would be desirable.
  
• Enjoying a good attitude and willingness to learn.
  

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, please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting.

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your well‑being, career development and work‑life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

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• Time to Recharge – 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 Well‑Being 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.
  

GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300

GB – Basildon, GB – Bristol Building, GB – Edinburgh, GB – Lincoln, GB – Newcastle, GB – Southampton

Permanent

Hybrid

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Information Technology

• Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Computer and Network Security