Lead Configuration and Data Engineer

Lead Configuration and Data Engineer – Leonardo – Newcastle, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid, Permanent)

Our Design Integrity function is currently recruiting for a Lead Configuration and Data Engineer. The role oversees an expanding portfolio of world‑class Mission Critical and Flight Safety‑involved systems deployed across Land, Sea and Air domains. The incumbent supports and oversees the internal Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across the Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) Line of Business, provides technical leadership for configuration and data teams, and defines, implements and maintains the Configuration Management process across the full lifecycle of aerospace, civil and defence programmes.

All product baselines are required to be defined in accordance with contractual, regulatory and company standards throughout the product lifecycle. The role is hybrid and can be based near any of the following sites:
Bristol, Edinburgh, Luton, Southampton, Newcastle, Basildon or Lincoln.

• Ensure integrity and traceability of all configuration items (CIs) across hardware, software and documentation used across the LoB.
• Identify, agree and control Configuration Items in alignment with programme and regulatory requirements.
• Approve and oversee configuration management plans, including baselines, updates and change implementation plans.
• Ensure compliance with the Five Pillars of Configuration Management and all relevant aerospace and defence standards.
• Define, document and control CIs, baselines (Functional, Allocated, Product, As‑Built, As‑Maintained) and their relationships in PLM systems.
• Manage changes via First Pass Filters (FPF), Configuration Control Boards (CCB) and Configuration Implementation Boards (CIB) to ensure structured, compliant change approval and embodiment.
• Capture, maintain and report CI status, change records and KPIs, providing actionable intelligence to the Line of Business.
• Plan and lead Functional Configuration Audits (FCA), Physical Configuration Audits (PCA) and internal/supplier audits to verify conformity between design, production and documentation.
• Establish the Configuration Management Plan (CMP) and manage team capacity, workload, training and KPI performance to ensure CM governance aligns with programme and contractual obligations.

• 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 and ensure findings are addressed and corrective actions implemented.
• Manage supplier configuration audits and assessments to ensure compliance with configuration standards and contractual obligations.
• Act as the point of escalation for supplier‑related configuration issues and drive resolution.
• Good working knowledge of Teamcenter Unified is desirable.

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, including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance, please visit

• Time to Recharge – generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure Your Future – 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 – bonus scheme for all employees at management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning – free access to 4,000+ online courses…