Graduate Hardware Engineer

Designs, tests, and integrates analogue, digital, and mixed-signal electronic hardware for advanced Electronic Warfare systems across the engineering lifecycle.

Your impact 

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?   

At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something extraordinary - shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. 

We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for professional development. 

Our structured 18-month Graduate Programme is designed to accelerate your development from graduate to professional engineer. From day one, you'll contribute to real projects, work alongside industry experts, and gain hands-on experience across the full hardware development lifecycle.

This opportunity is based in Luton, with flexible and hybrid working arrangements available. Occasional travel within the UK and overseas may be required to support technical reviews, trials and customer engagements.

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You’ll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

What You'll Do

As part of our Hardware Engineering team, you'll support the development of high-performance electronic hardware used within advanced Electronic Warfare solutions.

Your activities will include:

• Designing and developing analogue, digital and mixed-signal hardware solutions for a range of defence platforms

• Supporting hardware development activities throughout the engineering lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to integration, verification and qualification

• Creating circuit designs, schematics and supporting analyses using industry-standard design and simulation tools

• Conducting laboratory testing, debugging and validation using specialist electronic test equipment

• Analysing technical data and presenting findings to engineering teams and stakeholders

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across systems, firmware, software, RF and mechanical engineering to integrate hardware solutions into larger products

• Contributing to technical documentation, design reviews and customer deliverables

• Developing an understanding of the complete engineering lifecycle, from concept through to manufacture and in-service support

What We're Looking For

We're looking for curious, motivated graduates with a passion for engineering, problem solving and technology.

You should have, or be on track to achieve:

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor's degree, Integrated Master's degree, MSc or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline, such as:

  • Electronic Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Robotics Engineering

  • AI & Cybernetics

  • Physics or Applied Physics

  • Engineering Physics

  • Mathematics or Applied Mathematics

  • Communications Engineering

  • Information Engineering

  • Space Engineering

  • Computer Communication and Networks

  • Cyber Security

  • Related disciplines

We'd also like to see:

• An interest in electronic hardware design, circuit development or embedded systems

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively

• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from experienced engineers

• Experience of design, simulation, programming or laboratory-based testing gained through university projects, placements or personal interests (desirable, not essential)

• Familiarity with circuit design, schematic capture or simulation tools is beneficial but not essential, as training will be provided
  

Our Graduate Programme has been designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become a future engineering leader.

You'll benefit from:

• Structured professional development and technical training

• Support from experienced engineers, mentors and the wider graduate community

• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects with real customer impact

• Development towards professional registration, where applicable

• Exposure to a wide range of technologies, products and engineering discipline

• Networking opportunities across Leonardo's UK business

Why join us 

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.  

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, 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. 

• Time to recharge: Enjoy 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 wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity

• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme. 

• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo. 

• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.