Principal Configuration and Data Engineer

Our Design Integrity function is currently recruiting for a Principal 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 (LoB). In addition, you will provide technical leadership for the configuration and data teams, defining, implementing and maintaining 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 our sites in 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 LoB.
  
• Identification, agreement, and control of Configuration Items in alignment with programme and regulatory requirements.
  
• Creation, maintenance 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.
  
• Configuration Identification – defining, documenting, and controlling CIs, baselines (Functional, Allocated, Product, As-Built, As Maintained), and their relationships in PLM systems.
  
• Configuration Control – managing changes via First Pass Filters (FPF), Configuration Control Boards (CCB), and Configuration Implementation Boards (CIB) to ensure structured, compliant change approval and embodiment.
  
• Configuration Status Accounting (CSA) – capturing, maintaining, and reporting CI status, change records, and KPIs, providing actionable intelligence to the Line of Business.
  
• Configuration Audits – planning and participating in Functional Configuration Audits (FCA), Physical Configuration Audits (PCA), and internal/supplier audits to verify conformity between design, production, and documentation.
  
• Configuration Planning & Governance – create and maintain the Configuration Management Plan (CMP) helping to ensure CM 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.
  
• Participate actively in first-pass filter for all proposed changes, ensuring they meet standards before progressing to formal review.
  
• Actively participate in Configuration Implementation Boards (CIB) and Change Control Boards (CCB), providing technical guidance and ensuring informed decisions.
  
• Ensure the impact of proposed changes is thoroughly assessed across design, production, operations, supply chain and security.
  
• Participate in internal audits of configuration and change control processes, ensuring findings are addressed and corrective actions implemented.
  
• Act as the point of escalation for supplier-related configuration issues and drive resolution.
  
• Good working Knowledge of Teamcenter Unified would be desirable.
  

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Governments 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 wellbeing, career development and work–life balance.

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• 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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
  
• 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

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know.