At Ecolab, we are looking for a Proposal Engineer to join our Global High Tech (GHT) team, playing a key role in the development of technical and commercial proposals for industrial and high‑tech water treatment projects.
In this position, you will collaborate closely with General Contractors (GCs), EPCs, and internal stakeholders to define project scope, prepare detailed cost estimations, and ensure alignment with EPC/EPCM execution models. This role combines strong technical expertise with commercial insight, contributing directly to winning strategic projects and ensuring a seamless transition from proposal to execution.
Objectives
The GHT Proposal Engineer is responsible for developing technical and commercial proposals in response to requests from General Contractors for industrial, high‑tech, and infrastructure water projects. The role has a strong emphasis on scope definition, BOQ preparation, cost estimation, and alignment with EPC / EPCM execution models.
Key Responsibilities
Proposal & Tender Management (GC‑Driven Requests)
- Analyze RFQs, and technical specifications issued by General Contractors and EPCs.
- Work closely with CAM / BDM to define deadlines and scope of work expected by customers, clarify scope boundaries between process, packages, civils, piping, E&I, and construction responsibilities.
- Coordinate with internal engineering disciplines to ensure full technical compliance.
- Prepare technical narratives, BOQ file (Bill Of Quantity), scope descriptions, and clarifications aligned with GC tender frameworks.
Costing Development
- Fill detailed JCT (Job Costing Tool) and link to Bills of Quantities (BOQs) files required by tenders related to process equipment, packages, and associated systems.
- Quantify equipment, materials, and services based on PFDs, P&IDs, layouts, and tender specs.
- Build cost estimates for CAPEX and installation-related items, in coordination with procurement and engineering.
- Ensure BOQs are aligned with GC cost breakdown structures and tender forms.
Technical Solution Definition
- Select technologies and equipment ensuring compliance with client, GC, and regulatory requirements.
- Support risk identification, exclusions, assumptions, and interface management.
Internal & External Coordination
- Interface with engineering, procurement, finance, and project teams during bid preparation.
- Act as technical point of contact with General Contractors during clarification phases.
- Support bid strategy, value engineering options, and alternative solutions when requested by GCs.
Quality, Compliance & Handover
- Ensure proposals meet GHT technical standards, contractual requirements, and ESG/HSE expectations.
- Support smooth handover from proposal to execution, ensuring BOQs and scope are execution‑ready.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or Process Engineering.
- 3-5+ years of experience in proposal engineering, tendering, or project engineering for water/industrial projects.
- Proven experience responding to General Contractors / EPCs.
- Strong capability in BOQ preparation, quantity take‑offs, and cost estimation.
- Solid understanding of EPC and EPCM contract models.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and numerical skills (costing, quantities, comparisons).
- Ability to interpret complex specifications and translate them into clear scopes and BOQs.
- Structured, detail‑oriented, and deadline‑driven.
- Effective communication with technical and commercial stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in international, multi‑disciplinary environments.
Typical Deliverables
- Technical proposals and compliance matrices
- Detailed BOQs and cost summaries
- Scope of supply documents
- Clarifications & deviations logs
- Value engineering alternatives (where applicable)
Principal Accountabilities
- Functionally report in the Commercial Engineering organization to the GHT Scalable solutions Manager.
- Based in Spain /France/ UK and have regular contact with his/her direct supervisor.
- Be familiar with water treatment process technologies
- Be familiar with engineering drawings (P&ID, General Arrangement, Isometric sketches, data sheets, troubleshooting list, electrical and automation drawings, etc..).
- Proactively works with clients and Ecolab/Nalco colleagues to determine project needs and identify customer needs by evaluating business models specific to their wastewater and pretreatment operations and develop project specifications.
- Supervise and/or take over on site survey, conception and basic design by making sure the best technical and economical compromise is reached between OPEX and CAPEX.
- Utilize technical expertise and financial acumen to support projects qualification and wisely use own time and resources on projects with the highest probability of success.
- On a project base, make sure to fit with the available budget for each part of the project, and able to discuss with Peers/Manager in case of any problem rising (engineering, partners, and fabricants) during the project execution and improve construction methods.
- Be able to communicate with many levels of personnel with Ecolab and external (i.e. Customer, Contractors).
- Have had experience, even if limited, with plant operation & maintenance.
- Be aware of most used international standards and norms required for equipment construction and certification.
- Be aware of Safety & Environmental aspects of legislation.
About Ecolab:
At Ecolab, we prioritize our talent-first philosophy by creating the most capable and diverse team to excel at our nearly three million customer sites. Building on a century of innovation, our 48,000 associates help deliver comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. Our solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability and public health, making a positive impact on the world. We are committed to eliminating unnecessary complexities and embracing a beginner's mindset, continuously seeking new perspectives and innovative solutions to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
Ecolab’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) reflects our longstanding value of working together to integrate diverse perspectives to challenge ourselves, reach our goals and do what’s right.
Apply today and join one of the most ethical companies with over a hundred years of history.
Join Ecolab and help us protect what’s vital.
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