Systems Engineer (Bids) Location: 3 days onsite per week in BrightonDuration: Initial 6 monthsRate: Flexible - Outside IR35 We are seeking a Systems Engineer contractor with strong experience supporting defence bids and proposals. This role is focused on the front-end bid phase of programmes and is not a traditional delivery Systems Engineering position.You will work within a technically led organisation, supporting the development of competitive, compliant defence bids by coordinating technical inputs and shaping system-level responses to formal RFPs.The RoleAs a bid-focused Systems Engineer, you will:Support the end-to-end defence bid lifecycle, from RFP release through to submissionAnalyse customer requirements and develop system-level technical responsesCoordinate and consolidate inputs from engineering SMEs across the businessEnsure bid responses are technically coherent, compliant, and traceableSupport bid gate reviews, technical governance, and internal approval processesTranslate complex system concepts into clear, structured proposal contentWork closely with commercial teams while maintaining a technical Systems Engineering perspectiveSkills and ExperienceBackground as a Systems Engineer within defence or a highly regulated environmentDemonstrable experience supporting bids, proposals, or tender responsesStrong understanding of systems engineering principles applied at bid stage (requirements, architectures, trade-offs)Commercial awareness (cost, risk, schedule impa