Proposals Engineer - Durban

Proposals Engineer - Durban

Recruiter

Talent Evolution

Job Ref

PTA001969/WO

Date posted

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Location

Durban, South Africa

SUMMARY

Role Purpose

Our client is seeking an experienced and motivated

Proposals Engineer to prepare accurate, commercially competitive and technically compliant proposals for complex engineering projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for compiling cost-effective estimates, developing tender documentation, interpreting customer requirements, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and supporting the successful conversion of opportunities into awarded projects. The role requires a strong engineering background, commercial awareness and the ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development & Estimating

• Prepare technical and commercial proposals for engineering projects.
• Develop accurate cost estimates and project schedules.
• Compile tender documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Define project scope based on customer requirements and technical specifications.
• Maintain and update costing information for standard products and services.
• Ensure proposals are technically compliant and commercially competitive.

Tender & Contract Management

• Review customer enquiries, specifications and contractual requirements.
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Prepare and issue supplier enquiries and evaluate quotations.
• Review purchase orders and contract documentation prior to acceptance.
• Prepare order confirmation documentation and facilitate project handovers.
• Follow up on submitted tenders and support contract negotiations.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Conduct customer and site visits where required.
• Liaise with engineering, sales, procurement and project teams throughout the proposal process.
• Coordinate with suppliers to obtain technical and commercial information.
• Participate in customer meetings and project discussions.

Technical Support

• Assist with engineering inspections and technical evaluations.
• Interpret engineering specifications and technical drawings.
• Ensure engineering solutions align with customer requirements and industry standards.
• Provide technical input during proposal development and project planning.
• Maintain proposal documentation and engineering records.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain proposal databases and estimating records.
• Attend sales and project review meetings.
• Monitor proposal outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to achieving departmental sales and profitability objectives.

POSITION INFO

Role Requirements Minimum Qualifications National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. BTech or BSc Engineering qualification will be advantageous. Valid driver's licence. Own reliable transport. Experience Minimum 3 years' experience within a project-based engineering environment. Experience preparing technical proposals and cost estimates. Experience interpreting engineering drawings and specifications. Exposure to industrial equipment, process plants or heavy engineering environments. Experience within engineering, projects, contracts, sales or estimating functions. Required Skills & Competencies Technical Skills Proposal preparation and tender compilation. Cost estimating and commercial analysis. Engineering drawing interpretation. Project planning and scheduling. Contract administration and contractual awareness. Technical specification analysis. Supplier quotation evaluation. Microsoft Office (advanced Word and Excel). Microsoft Project. Basic financial and commercial principles. Behavioural Competencies Strong analytical ability. Excellent attention to detail. Effective planning and organisational skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Commercial awareness. Customer-focused approach. Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders. Problem-solving ability. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Self-motivated with a proactive approach. Key Performance Areas Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to: Prepare accurate and competitive technical proposals. Deliver high-quality tender submissions within required deadlines. Produce reliable cost estimates and commercial analyses. Interpret customer requirements and engineering specifications accurately. Maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships. Coordinate effectively with internal departments and suppliers. Support successful project handovers. Maintain accurate proposal records and reporting. Contribute to departmental sales and profitability objectives. Demonstrate technical excellence and commercial awareness. Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.