International defence company Leonardo is recruiting for 200 roles in Newcastle after opening an office in the city centre to take advantage of local talent.
The Rome-based firm already employs about 8,000 people in the UK and has a range of contracts supplying the Ministry of Defence, including military helicopters and components for RAF aircraft. Its newest base, within Newcastle Helix's The Spark building will be home to research and development for its advanced military technology.
The firm has been supported by inward investment body Invest Newcastle, part of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, which said Leonardo will benefit from closeness to Newcastle University, the UK National Innovation Centre for Data and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (Dstl).
