Project Development Engineer

Dashiell•Houston, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Development Engineer works closely with the sales organization, acting as the technical and commercial bridge between Dashiell’s customers and our internal engineering, construction, and pre-construction teams. This position supports the Accounts & Business Development team throughout the opportunity lifecycle and helps shape well-defined, executable EPC solutions. This is an onsite role with approximately 20–30% travel. The position will be based in our Houston, TX office located at 12301 Kurland Drive, Houston, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell’s Accounts & Business Development leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred.
Plan to acquire a PE License preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in the power industry, preferably in HV/MV substation, transmission, or BESS projects (utility, IPP, industrial, or similar).
Familiarity with EPC project delivery and typical project phases from early development through execution.
Understanding of substation systems (primary and secondary), protection & controls, and field constructability considerations is strongly preferred.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, one-line diagrams, equipment specifications, and construction documents.
Experience supporting cost estimates or proposals for power projects (materials, equipment, labor, and indirects).
Comfort working with common engineering and office software tools (e.g., CAD/BIM viewers, spreadsheets, and document management systems).
Strong analytical skills to evaluate project requirements, support pricing decisions, and compare technical options.
Experience reviewing RFQs, technical specifications, and commercial terms to identify key scope elements, risks, and clarifications.
Ability to support the Accounts & Business Development team in preparing and delivering proposals, presentations, and customer responses.
Comfortable participating in customer meetings, discussing technical topics, and representing the company’s capabilities professionally.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Construction, Pre-Construction, Procurement, and Field Services.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, concise information for internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborative mindset with a focus on shared outcomes and maintaining strong working relationships.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to support multiple concurrent opportunities and deadlines.
Attention to detail and a disciplined approach to documentation, follow-up, and closure of open items.
Continuous improvement mindset, with an interest in refining tools, templates, and processes used in project development.
Team-oriented, proactive, and accountable, with a focus on delivering high-quality work and supporting successful projects.
Ability to sit for extended periods during office-based work.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during field visits.
Ability to walk on uneven terrain, gravel, and graded surfaces.
Ability to navigate active construction environments including stairs, ramps, and temporary walkways.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR clothing, and hearing protection.
Ability to travel to project sites as required.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without current or future visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Plan to acquire a PE License
Experience in the power industry, preferably in HV/MV substation, transmission, or BESS projects (utility, IPP, industrial, or similar)
Familiarity with EPC project delivery and typical project phases from early development through execution
Understanding of substation systems (primary and secondary), protection & controls, and field constructability considerations
Experience supporting cost estimates or proposals for power projects (materials, equipment, labor, and indirects)
Comfort working with common engineering and office software tools (e.g., CAD/BIM viewers, spreadsheets, and document management systems)
Experience reviewing RFQs, technical specifications, and commercial terms to identify key scope elements, risks, and clarifications
Ability to support the Accounts & Business Development team in preparing and delivering proposals, presentations, and customer responses
Comfortable participating in customer meetings, discussing technical topics, and representing the company’s capabilities professionally
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Construction, Pre-Construction, Procurement, and Field Services
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, concise information for internal and external stakeholders
Collaborative mindset with a focus on shared outcomes and maintaining strong working relationships
Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to support multiple concurrent opportunities and deadlines
Attention to detail and a disciplined approach to documentation, follow-up, and closure of open items
Continuous improvement mindset, with an interest in refining tools, templates, and processes used in project development
Team-oriented, proactive, and accountable, with a focus on delivering high-quality work and supporting successful projects

Responsibilities

Partner with the Accounts & Business Development team to qualify opportunities for HV/MV substations, T-Line, and BESS projects, and help define the technical scope and project requirements.
Review RFQs, technical specifications, and customer standards to identify key requirements, risks, and clarifications needed before proposal development.
Develop preliminary technical concepts (e.g., one-line diagrams, high-level layouts, conceptual designs) in collaboration with engineering and construction teams.
Prepare budgetary estimates and support the development of detailed EPC proposals, including scope descriptions, assumptions, exclusions, and technical attachments.
Coordinate internal inputs from engineering, construction, pre-construction, procurement, and field services to ensure proposals are aligned, consistent, and executable.
Support the preparation of technical and commercial proposal documents, presentations, and other customer-facing materials.
Participate in customer meetings, technical discussions, and clarification calls as the engineering point of contact, working alongside the leadership group.
Track and follow up on open technical items, RFIs, and data requests to keep opportunities moving through the development process.
Maintain and update standard proposal content, templates, and reference materials to improve consistency and efficiency in project development.
Contribute to opportunity reviews, bid/no-bid recommendations, and handoff meetings when projects transition from development into execution.
Support contract discussions with customers as needed, working alongside the leadership group.
Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

company-paid life insurance
accidental death and dismemberment insurance
long-term disability insurance
employee assistance program
medical coverage through a traditional PPO or one of two high-deductible health plans (with FSA or HSA options)
dental and vision coverage
supplemental life insurance
short-term disability
critical illness insurance
group accident insurance
hospital indemnity insurance
401(k) plan with immediate vesting