Filtronic plc is hiring a Chief Engineer (Space & Defence) to lead the development of our technical proposition for the Space & Defence sectors. In this pivotal role, you will articulate our value proposition, shape technical content for proposals, and guide RF product capability strategy, working at the intersection of engineering, business development, and strategic marketing.
What You'll Do
- Own the technical response strategy for major bids (e.g., ESA, MOD, NATO, commercial primes).
- Translate complex engineering capabilities into winning proposal content.
- Collaborate with engineering and commercial teams to ensure proposal alignment with customer requirements and compliance criteria.
- Define and refine RF product capabilities based on market needs and programme trends in space and defence.
- Conduct competitive analysis and gather customer intelligence to steer R&D investment priorities.
- Develop and maintain compelling product collateral, capability briefs, and white papers that demonstrate strengths in RF innovation.
- Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and technical forums to promote brand awareness and market relevance.
- Act as a technical advisor to key customers, ensuring alignment with both short-term project needs and long-term strategic roadmaps.
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with procurement, engineering, and programme teams within major customers.
- Provide market and customer insights to influence the product development lifecycle and go-to-market strategies.
- Champion the voice of the customer in internal product planning discussions.
What We're Looking For
- Degree in RF Engineering, Electronics, Physics, or equivalent technical discipline.
- Significant experience in RF/microwave systems, technical product management, or bid leadership in the space or defence sectors.
- Proven success in writing or contributing to complex, high-value technical proposals for major programmes or frameworks (e.g., ESA, UK MOD, NATO, large defence primes).
- Strong understanding of RF subsystems, including amplifiers, filters, and integrated modules for aerospace or secure communication systems.
- Experience bridging technical and commercial domains in a customer-facing role.
- Exceptional technical writing and communication skills, with a proven ability to distil complex ideas into clear, compelling messaging.
- Strong strategic thinking with commercial awareness.
- Excellent collaboration skills; able to work across functions and manage inputs from diverse technical teams.
- Organised, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple bid timelines concurrently.
- High attention to detail, with a commitment to proposal quality and compliance.
Nice to Have
- Master’s or PhD advantageous.
- Familiarity with UK/US export control regulations (ITAR, EAR, UK Export Control).
- Knowledge of software-defined or digitally enhanced RF systems.
Team & Environment
You will work with the accomplished, high performing global business development team.
Benefits & Compensation
- Outstanding salary with bonus and benefits benchmarked close to the top of the sector.
Work Mode
This role operates on a hybrid basis.
Filtronic plc is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
