Lead DevOps Engineer

Do you want to shape the future of DevOps across the UK's most critical missions? At Leonardo, our Lead DevOps Engineers are recognised authorities in automation and secure software delivery. They set technical direction, act as subject matter experts across programmes, and ensure our DevOps solutions remain robust, secure, and innovative. Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. This role is based full time at our customer site in Gloucestershire. Existing UK Security Clearance (DV) would be advantageous, although candidates who are eligible to obtain clearance are also encouraged to apply. What you will do as a Lead DevOps Engineer:

• Act as the technical authority for DevOps across programmes, shaping architectures and guiding technical delivery.
• Define and influence DevOps roadmaps, innovation, and future strategies for automation and secure delivery.
• Lead feasibility studies, technology assessments, and solution recommendations for complex engineering challenges.
• Provide advanced guidance in CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and container orchestration across environments.
• Mentor Principal, Senior, and early-career engineers to raise capability across the DevOps community.
• Represent Leonardo at customer reviews, technical boards, and industry events, presenting and defending solutions.
• Contribute expert input to bids, proposals, and technical strategy.
  Ability to influence technical strategy and represent Leonardo externally as a subject matter expert.
• Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders from engineers to senior leaders.

Core areas (must have):

• Expert knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automation, and orchestration tooling.
• Strong expertise in containerisation and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift/Tanzu)
• Deep knowledge of cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and hybrid deployments
• Experience embedding cyber security controls and DevSecOps practices into pipelines and infrastructure
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
• Familiarity with accreditation, assurance, and governance requirements in secure environments

Desirable:

• Recognised expert certifications (e.g. Kubernetes CKA/CKAD, AWS/Azure Architect, HashiCorp Terraform/ Vault)
• Experience influencing organisational DevOps standards and best practices
• Contributions to research, publications, or professional forums in DevOps/automation
• Knowledge of service mesh, GitOps, and policy-as-code approaches
• Experience with monitoring/logging and observability platforms (ELK, Prometheus, Splunk)

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
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. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
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, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: Why join us 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. 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 (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.