Principal Data Control Engineer

Job Description: Your Impact: Join us as a Principal Data Manager and play a key role in ensuring the integrity, control, and governance of critical engineering and programme data across complex defence and aerospace programmes. Reporting to the Lead Configuration & Data Manager, you’ll ensure the day-to-day delivery of data management activities, guaranteeing information is accurately identified, controlled, protected, and traceable throughout the product lifecycle.

Working closely with engineering, programme, quality, and configuration teams, you will implement and maintain data management practices in line with organisational policies, industry standards, and business strategy. You will also support compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives, helping to ensure that programme data remains secure, accessible, and fit for purpose throughout its lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities: Deliver data management activities in line with approved Data Management Plans (DMPs). Ensure engineering and programme data is correctly identified, structured, version-controlled, approved, and accessible. Maintain accurate data status, integrity, and visibility across programme datasets. Ensure compliance with organisational governance, contractual requirements, and DMPs. Actively lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of programme DMPs.

Monitor compliance, manage deviations, and provide evidence for audits and reviews. Lead integration between data management and configuration management systems. Ensure data security, export control, protective marking, and access controls are correctly applied. Lead internal, customer, and regulatory audits, including corrective actions. Lead data management throughout the full product lifecycle and ensure data completeness, accuracy, and approval status to meet programme milestones.

Collaborate with engineering, configuration, quality, and programme teams. Provide guidance and mentoring to Data Management Engineers. Exposure to cryptography. What you’ll bring; Essential Proven experience in data management within defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries. Thorough understanding of data lifecycle control, document management, and information governance. Experience in creating and working to Data Management Plans and organisational procedures.

Experience in working with sensitive, classified, or export-controlled data. Desirable Experience integrating data management with configuration and change control. Knowledge of airworthiness, safety-critical systems, or certification environments. Familiarity with PLM and document management tools. Experience supporting audits and compliance activities. 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. 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 a