Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Proposal Engineer, you'll create tailored proposals for heavy machinery projects.
- Company: Join a reputable engineering firm known for bespoke heavy machinery solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and early finishes on Fridays with remote work options.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making an impact in the aluminium processing industry.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualifications and experience in proposal writing are essential.
- Other info: Competitive salary based on experience, with a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 65000 £ per year.
Proposal Engineer – Heavy Machinery
Chesterfield
£50,000 – £65,000 (DOE)
25 Days holiday + Bank Holidays
Private Healthcare + Life Assurance (2x death in service)
5% Pension Contribution
Early finish Friday at 12pm (Work from home that day!)
The Company:
Our client is a long-established engineering and manufacturing business supplying bespoke heavy machinery and turnkey systems to the aluminium processing, recycling, and wider manufacturing industries. Their projects range from £250k machinery upgrades through to £5m full system installations, and they work with international customers across Europe, Canada, and the Middle East.
To support continued growth, they are creating a brand-new Proposal Engineer role to bridge the gap between engineering, purchasing, and sales, ensuring proposals are technically robust, commercially competitive, and aligned with customer expectations.
The Role:
Reporting jointly into Engineering and Finance, this role is critical in developing proposals for complex machinery systems involving hydraulics, automation, and large mechanical structures. You\’ll be responsible for translating customer requirements into compliant engineering solutions, producing detailed layouts, costings, and proposal documentation.
Your Responsibilities will include:
- Developing and delivering technical proposals for heavy machinery systems, ensuring compliance with standards and the Machinery Directive
- Producing 2D layout drawings and proposal documentation using AutoCAD and SolidWorks
- Collaborating with engineering, sales, and project management teams to define scope, requirements, and costs
- Preparing detailed BOMs, cost estimates, timelines, and risk assessments
- Translating customer specifications into practical, cost-effective engineering solutions
- Supporting the development of hydraulic and automation system layouts for industrial environments
- Liaising with suppliers and subcontractors to gather technical and commercial inputs
- Contributing to design reviews and continuous improvement of proposal processes
Qualifications and Experience:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Minimum 5 years\’ experience in industrial equipment machinery design/proposals
- Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, mechanical structures, and automation
- Proficiency in 3D CAD – (AutoCAD (2D) and SolidWorks (3D) would be highly beneficial)
- Experience in cost estimation, BOMs, and proposal documentation
- Familiarity with the Machinery Directive and CE marking requirements
- Strong communication, analytical, and organisational skills
The Benefits:
- Salary £50,000 – £65,000 (DOE)
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
- 5% pension contribution
- Private healthcare
- Life Assurance (2x death in service)
- 4 days office-based, Friday remote
- Training on product range, with opportunities to shadow the design team
How to Apply:
If you are a mechanical engineer with strong experience in heavy machinery and proposals, and are looking to take ownership of technically challenging projects in an international engineering environment, we\’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV to Matt Taylor at
or call for more details.
ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
JBRP1_UKTJ
Proposal Engineer - Heavy Machinery employer: ATA Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ATA Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposal Engineer - Heavy Machinery
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in heavy machinery. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about unadvertised job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to proposal engineering. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully managed client expectations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly, including their products and services. Tailor your conversation to show how your skills and experiences align with their needs, making it clear why you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposal Engineer - Heavy Machinery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of a Proposal Engineer in the heavy machinery sector. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in engineering, proposal writing, or working with heavy machinery. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that addresses the hiring manager. Explain why you are interested in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial in engineering roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Know Your Heavy Machinery
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the heavy machinery industry, especially the specific products and services offered by the company. Familiarise yourself with their bespoke solutions and how they stand out in the market.
✨Prepare Your Proposal Skills
Since the role focuses on proposals, be ready to discuss your experience in creating and managing proposals. Highlight any successful projects you've worked on and be prepared to explain your approach to tailoring proposals to meet client needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Demonstrate your technical expertise related to engineering and manufacturing processes. Be prepared to answer questions about the technical aspects of heavy machinery and how they relate to the proposals you would be working on.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's projects, culture, and future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
