Principal Defence Systems Engineer & Bid Lead

ALTEN; Stevenage, West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private MedicalInsurance

Cycle& Tech Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Social atmosphere, regular gatherings

Flexible way of working (role dep.)

Job summary

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy seeking a Principal Systems Engineer / Technical Bid Lead to drive the technical development of complex defence bids and shape system-level solutions for next-generation capability programmes. Based in Stevenage or Bristol with on-site work and a 3-day per week on-site requirement, this role requires 10+ years experience and SC clearance eligibility.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical bid activities within defence or aerospace.
• Strong systems engineering with requirements management and lifecycle processes.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into compliant, competitive solutions.

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 coherence and robustness.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in developing technical solutions, estimates, assumptions, and risk assessments.
• Challenge and review technical inputs for accuracy, affordability, and deliverability.
• Develop and review technical proposal content and supporting documentation.
• Support governance and gate review activities.
• Present technical solutions to senior stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate with programme, commercial, and bid management teams to deliver winning proposals.

Skills

Bid leadership

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Stakeholder engagement

Technical communication

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Tools

IBM Rhapsody

DOORS

Cameo

Job description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy seeking a Principal Systems Engineer / Technical Bid Lead to drive the technical development of complex defence bids and shape system-level solutions for next-generation capability programmes. Based in Stevenage or Bristol with on-site work and a 3-day per week on-site requirement, this role requires 10+ years experience and SC clearance eligibility.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders