Proposal & Estimating Engineer
About The Position
The Proposal & Estimating Engineer supports business growth by combining technical engineering expertise with commercial sales capabilities. The role develops cost estimates and technical and commercial proposals, supports customer engagement, and collaborates with engineering, sales, and operations teams to deliver technically sound and commercially competitive solutions. The position supports business development and customer acquisition, engages with customers to understand requirements and project scope, and delivers technical presentations, product demonstrations, and solution recommendations. It also contributes to pricing and commercial negotiations, customer and stakeholder relationships, bid preparation and review, value engineering, cost optimization, post-award handoffs, market monitoring, sales forecasting, and standardized estimating processes. The position is based onsite at the Vancouver, Washington office with a hybrid on-site arrangement. Occasional travel to customer sites, meetings, or project locations may be required. It reports to the Global Director, Business Development.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related field).
- At least 5 years of experience in sales engineering, application engineering, estimating, technical sales, or related roles.
- Experience in project-based environments such as construction, industrial manufacturing, or engineering services.
- Experience with ERP and CRM systems.
- Strong understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Experience with cost estimation, BOQ preparation, and pricing analysis.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating tools.
- Ability to interpret customer RFQs and tender documents.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Customer-focused, results-driven, and proactive approach.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
Responsibilities
- Support business development and customer acquisition activities as a technical sales representative.
- Engage with customers to understand technical requirements, specifications, and project scope.
- Deliver technical presentations, product demonstrations, and solution recommendations.
- Support pricing, terms, and commercial negotiations in coordination with management.
- Build and maintain relationships with customers, consultants, and key stakeholders.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates based on drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Analyze labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs.
- Develop technical and commercial proposals, quotations, and bid documentation.
- Review RFQs, tenders, and bid packages to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and standards to assess technical feasibility.
- Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and production teams to obtain technical inputs.
- Support value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
- Assist with post-award handoff from sales to project execution teams.
- Monitor market trends, competitor pricing, and customer requirements.
- Support development of sales tools, costing templates, and standardized estimating processes.
- Maintain costing databases, pricing models, and historical estimate records.
- Assist management with sales forecasting and opportunity tracking.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- Auto insurance and home insurance.
- Pet insurance and identity theft protection.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- 401(k), pension plans, and retirement health care benefits.
- Short-term incentives.
- Vacation (12 days) and holidays.
- Parental leave.
- Employee stock purchase plans for full-time associates.
- Discount on day care services and caregiver services.
- Adoption assistance.
- Group legal services.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee discount program.
- Education assistance program.
- On-site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
