Principal Systems Engineer (Bid Lead)

We're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer / Technical Bid Lead to lead the technical development of complex defence bids and shape system-level solutions for next-generation capability programmes. Acting as the technical authority within the bid team, you will translate customer requirements into compliant, competitive solutions while influencing bid strategy, technical direction, and proposal development across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Location: Stevenage or Bristol On-site Requirement: 3 Days Per Week Seniority: 10+ Years Experience Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance. Key Responsibilities - Lead the technical delivery of complex defence bids and proposal activities. - Translate customer requirements into compliant, competitive system solutions. - Act as the technical authority throughout the bid lifecycle, ensuring technical coherence and robustness. - Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in the development of technical solutions, estimates, assumptions, and risk assessments. - Challenge and review technical inputs to ensure accuracy, affordability, and deliverability. - Develop and review technical proposal content and supporting documentation. - Support internal governance and gate review activities throughout the bid process. - Present technical solutions and strategies to senior stakeholders and customers. - Work closely with programme, commercial, and bid management teams to deliver winning proposals. Required Skills - Demonstrable experience leading technical bid activities within complex defence or aerospace programmes. - Strong systems engineering background, including requirements management, solution development, and system lifecycle processes. - Experience translating customer requirements into technically compliant and commercially competitive solutions. - Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through proposal and concept-definition activities. - Experience developing technical estimates, identifying risks, and supporting bid planning activities. - Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including interaction with customers, programme leadership, and senior engineering teams. - Excellent written communication skills, including experience authoring or reviewing technical proposal documentation. Soft Skills & Collaboration - Strong technical leadership and decision-making capability. - Excellent customer-facing communication and presentation skills. - Ability to influence stakeholders and challenge technical assumptions constructively. - Collaborative approach to working across engineering, programme, and commercial functions. Required Qualifications - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience. Desirable Skills - Experience supporting major defence acquisition or capability programmes. - Previous experience acting as a Technical Bid Lead, Capture Lead, Solution Lead, or Lead Systems Engineer. - Knowledge of air systems, weapons systems, or complex mission-critical defence platforms. - Experience supporting proposal reviews, governance processes, and customer presentations. - Familiarity with systems engineering tools such as IBM Rhapsody, DOORS, Cameo, or equivalent. - Understanding of defence procurement and competitive bidding environments.