Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer in Dartford

Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer in Dartford

Dartford Full-Time 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Helvar

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create commercial tender packages and manage proposal lifecycles for innovative lighting solutions.
  • Company: Join Helvar, a leading international lighting technology company with over 100 years of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, online learning opportunities, and a dedicated Wellbeing Day each year.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across global markets.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable building solutions while developing your technical and commercial skills.
  • Qualifications: Technical Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; proficiency in AutoCAD and estimating tools.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

Helvar is excited to announce that we are looking for a commercially minded Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer to join our team at our Dartford office.

We welcome applications from college leavers, graduates, junior candidates, and experienced professionals who are keen to develop their careers in a technical and commercial environment.

What will you be responsible for?

The Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer is responsible for converting a validated technical architecture or proposed design into a comprehensive commercial tender package.

Their primary mission is to ensure that the contents of the tender package (e. g.

Bill of Materials (BOM), quotation, and system drawings) are 100% accurate, aligned with the project budget, and optimised for the commissioning effort.

They act as the final checkpoint before a project becomes an order.

Beyond the initial submission, the Proposal Engineer manages the lifecycle of the bid, incorporating feedback and revisions until technical closure is achieved.

Once the order is secured, they lead the transition to the post-sales and service teams - to ensure a world-class customer experience from day one.

Job requirements

  • Roughly 20% customer-facing; primarily office-based but capable of presenting technical clarifications to contractors or consultants.
  • Thrives on organisation, managing multiple revision cycles, and meeting strict tender deadlines.
  • Education: Technical Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a related experience.
  • Skills: Expert-level proficiency in Auto CAD, modern estimating tools, and CRM/ERP estimating software.
  • Exceptional attention to detail with a focus on commercial accuracy and meeting deadlines.
  • Technical Awareness: Solid understanding of lighting control components and system topology.
  • What you'll develop to do as our Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer
  • Tender Package Generation
  • Convert the Helvar Solution Architect's system design into a complete Bill of Materials (BOM) and professional quotation package.
  • Produce detailed system drawings and schematics using CAD and modern AI-driven design tools.
  • Align design, budget, and estimated commissioning effort in collaboration with Sales and Service teams.
  • Collaborate closely with Sales Managers, customers and other members of the Presales team throughout the sales cycle to ensure customer requirements are fully understood and met.
  • Proposal Lifecycle Management
  • Manage the revision process, incorporating feedback from the customer or internal team.
  • Track and follow up on all active proposals until technical and commercial closure.
  • Utilise modern, AI-driven estimating techniques to ensure high productivity, BOM and pricing accuracy.
  • Regional & Global Market Support
  • Responsible for supporting Helvar’s Direct Markets: UK, Finland, Sweden, and Poland.
  • Provide assistance to Helvar’s channel of global partners where needed such as on high-complexity or larger projects to ensure system integrity.
  • Maintain a clear priority workflow that ensures direct market deadlines are met while providing scalable support to the global partner network.
  • Assist in the introduction of new technology, solution features, and/or products by ensuring partners can correctly create tender packs with the latest updates.
  • Provide pre-tender and post-tender application, product, support and clarifications to sales and customers as needed
  • Operational Handover & Digital Activation Readiness
  • Prepare a project handover pack for the Service and Post-Sales teams as required.
  • Coordinate the submission of maintenance and Insights service contracts.
  • Act as the internal tool expert, championing the use of tools such as CRM, CAD, and modern estimating software.
  • Provide feedback to Offering Managers on pricing trends and BOM commonalities to improve future templates.

Why You'll Love Helvar?

  • We value your growth: With a wide range of online learning opportunities and internal mobility, you’ll have the tools and support to advance your career.
  • Autonomy and balance: Our culture is built on trust, offering you autonomy in your role while promoting a healthy work-life balance and benefiting from a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Wellbeing at the heart: Whether it’s our products for customers or how we care for our team, wellbeing is our top priority.

We offer a dedicated Wellbeing Day every year, and all employees can take advantage of our weekly Empower Hour for wellbeing, community, or learning activities.

  • A company you can trust: With over 100 years of history, we’re a stable, family-owned Finnish company that’s growing across our international locations.

For additional information on the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition & Development Manager: Ben Fryer ben. fryer@helvar. com who will get in touch with you shortly.

Helvar

Helvar is an international lighting technology company delivering intelligent, energy-efficient lighting solutions for smart, sustainable buildings.

By combining advanced lighting controls, environmental sensing, and digital services, Helvar helps create healthier, more productive spaces while reducing energy consumption and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

For more than 100 years, Helvar has been at the forefront of lighting innovation, enabling buildings to operate more intelligently through data-driven insights, seamless system integration, and future-ready technology.

With offices in Finland, the UK, Poland, and Sweden, and a global partner network spanning more than 80 countries, Helvar provides local expertise backed by international reach.

With over 300,000 projects delivered worldwide across a wide range of industries and applications, Helvar offers wired, wireless, and hybrid lighting control solutions, environmental sensing technologies, and a cloud-based digital services platform.

Together, these solutions form a comprehensive end-to-end ecosystem that helps customers optimise building performance, enhance occupant wellbeing, and achieve their sustainability ambitions.

We’re with you all the way!

Helvar Recruitment Equality and Diversity Disclaimer

At Helvar, we are committed to creating a workplace that promotes a culture of equality, respect, and opportunity for all.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team and encourage everyone to apply.

If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer in Dartford employer: Helvar

Helvar is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Dartford where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while working alongside dedicated professionals in the field. The supportive culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful projects.

Helvar

Contact Details:

Helvar Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer in Dartford

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer role you’re after at Helvar.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Helvar a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Helvar.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer at Helvar, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer in Dartford

AutoCAD
Estimating Tools
CRM Software
Electrical Engineering Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Commercial Awareness
Technical Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Helvar a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Helvar specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Helvar

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Helvar, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Helvar want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.