Principal Human Factors Engineer

Job Description

What you will do

• Set strategy and governance define Human Factors Integration approach, standards, and measures of effectiveness across programmes.
• Assure delivery lead major Human Factors work packages and reviews; ensure quality, schedule, and compliance.
• Technical leadership and mentoring guide Human Factors practitioners and adjacent disciplines and share best practice.
• Bid and capture shape winning Human Factors propositions, estimates, and plans for competitive proposals.
• Testing and evaluation plan and run human-in-the-loop simulations, trials, and usability studies, analyse performance, workload, error and drive design actions.
• Client engagement act as the senior Human Factors point of contact for MOD and industry clients and partners, building long-term relationships.
• Capability development identify opportunities for innovation and strengthen Human Factors function and EW domain practice.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

Main must-haves

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or a closely related discipline.
• Chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (or eligibility).
• Extensive experience leading Human Factors on mission-critical defence/aerospace programmes, with working knowledge of JSP 912 and Def Stan 00-251.
• Depth across Human Factors methods task analysis, usability, human performance, workload, error identification, anthropometrics and ergonomic assessments.
• Proven experience in Human Machine Interface design and evaluation for operator consoles/mission systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring, setting direction and assuring quality across multiple projects.
• Track record of leading Human Factors input into bids and complex proposals.
• Strong stakeholder skills with senior MOD and industry clients; able to influence and build trust.
  
  

Helpful tooling (nice to have)

• Experience with requirement and delivery tools (e.g., DOORS, Jira, Confluence) and rapid HMI prototyping tools.
  
  

Plus

• Experience building Human Factors Capability within an organisation and supporting business growth.
  
  

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.

Security Clearance

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 https //careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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

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.
  
  

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

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.

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.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location

GB - Southampton

Additional Locations

GB - Basildon, GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid