Project Engineer (Bids)

Location: On-site, Loanhead, Edinburgh

Hours: Full-Time

Flexible Working Options – 4- or 5-day week

Join Our Engineering Team: Project Engineer (Bids)

We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Project Engineer (Bids) to join MacTaggart Scott (MTS), reporting to the Principal Bid Engineer within our Engineering Design department.

This role will support the Business Development and Bids & Proposals teams by leading engineering responses to customer enquiries and developing costed, compliant technical proposals. You will coordinate engineering input across disciplines to ensure high-quality submissions are delivered on time and within budget.

Initially working under moderate supervision, you will receive guidance from the Principal Bid Engineer and wider Engineering team, with increasing autonomy as experience and confidence develop.

About Us

MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, delivering complete engineered solutions from concept and design through manufacture, commissioning, and through life support. Established in 1898, we combine a proud heritage with a forward-looking approach, driven by innovation, continuous improvement, and engineering excellence.

Our Engineering Design team plays a critical role in shaping future projects by transforming customer requirements into robust, technically sound, and commercially competitive proposals.

What Is the Job About?

As Project Engineer (Bids), you will support and coordinate the Engineering Design department’s response to a wide range of technical enquiries and tender opportunities.

Success in this role will be measured by the delivery of compliant, high quality proposals within agreed timescales and budgets, alongside strong collaboration, customer focus, and contribution to continuous improvement initiatives.

You will:

• Interface with Business Development and Bids & Proposals teams to understand customer requirements.
• Produce clear, concise, and technically robust proposal documentation.
• Review customer specifications and develop procurement specifications where required.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering resources to deliver bid inputs.
• Compile detailed work breakdown structures and estimates of engineering effort.
• Attend customer meetings, deliver technical presentations, and contribute to engineering and commercial discussions.
• Support the development of standardised proposal documentation and trend analysis to inform future product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the engineering input for assigned bids and enquiries.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure accurate technical and cost information.
• Reviewing and checking engineering drawings and documentation.
• Supporting financial awareness by ensuring engineering effort and cost estimates align with profitability objectives.
• Contributing to departmental continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintaining professionalism and security awareness when working within military and naval environments.
• Complying with company Health & Safety policies and procedures at all times.

About You

• You will be a proactive and collaborative engineer who:
• Has experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Is confident producing specification documents and engaging with suppliers.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving ability and an innovative mindset.
• Takes a flexible approach to work and is comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Communicates effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Understands the importance of accuracy, cost control, and customer service in bid environments.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• BSc or BEng in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a relevant Apprenticeship with HNC.
• Experience interfacing with multi-discipline engineering teams.
• Experience creating specification documents and liaising with suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and electrical/control systems.
• Experience in systems engineering and requirements management software.
• Experience using solid modelling tools; structural analysis and finite element modelling advantageous.
• Awareness of military environmental requirements (Shock, Noise & Vibration, hazardous areas).
• Experience within defence or highly regulated industries.
• Current Security Clearance.

Benefits

Your future And What We Offer

• Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (Mon-Thurs 07:00–19:15 with core hours 09:30–15:30, Friday 07:00 – 16:00 with core hours 09:30 – 12:00), allowing you to fit work around your life.
• Leave Entitlements: Inclusive annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, annual leave buy and sell, and more.
• Career Development: Supportive environment with a dedicated Learning & Development team and clear pathways to grow your career.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our comprehensive wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, onsite nurse, and life insurance.
• Health & Protection: Sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and comprehensive health & wellbeing initiatives.
• Onsite Facilities: Canteen, free parking, and cycle-to-work scheme for convenience.
• Financial Benefits: Generous company pension plan and exclusive employee discounts.

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