Proposal Engineer, Sales Engineer

ROOTS Systems is a leading global manufacturer of oil-free rotary lobe compressors, process gas blowers, and vacuum booster packages for demanding process applications. With a heritage dating back to the 1930s, ROOTS Systems designs and manufactures custom-engineered equipment and complete packages in the UK, serving customers worldwide through direct sales offices in the USA, UAE, and Spain, supported by an established network of local sales and after-sales partners.

Our equipment is designed to meet major international standards and industry requirements, including API 619, ASME, NEMA, AWS, AGMA, IEC, and ATEX, as well as specifications established by major oil and gas producers.

ROOTS Systems specializes in the handling of complex and hazardous gases, including toxic, corrosive, flammable, and radioactive gases, as well as applications operating in potentially explosive atmospheres. Our solutions can be configured with a wide range of high-performance materials, sealing arrangements, and auxiliary systems to meet specific process conditions, safety requirements, and industry standards.

From individual machines to fully engineered process packages, ROOTS Systems combines proven rotary lobe technology with application-specific engineering to deliver reliable, robust, and fit-for-purpose solutions for critical process applications worldwide.

This is a full-time, on-site Proposal Engineer position, initially based in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire
, with the role relocating to Gloucester later this year
. The Proposal Engineer will be responsible for developing technically sound and commercially competitive proposals for rotating equipment and related process systems. The role involves reviewing customer inquiries, RFQs, specifications, and technical documentation; interpreting technical and commercial requirements; and preparing detailed proposals, cost estimates, scopes of supply, and technical bid documentation in accordance with company procedures, customer requirements, and applicable international codes and standards.

The Proposal Engineer will work closely with Sales, Engineering, Projects, Production, and Procurement to obtain and validate the technical, commercial, costing, and delivery information required to develop accurate and competitive bids.

Key responsibilities include:

• Review customer inquiries, RFQs, technical specifications, datasheets, and project documentation.
• Interpret technical requirements and develop appropriate equipment and package solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical and commercial proposals, including scopes of supply, cost estimates, technical documentation, and commercial inputs.
• Ensure proposals comply with customer requirements, company standards, and applicable international codes and standards.
• Identify and clearly document technical deviations, exclusions, assumptions, and commercial risks.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations and coordinate procurement cost inputs.
• Work closely with Engineering, Sales, Projects, Production, and Procurement to develop accurate and competitive proposals.
• Support the Sales team throughout the bidding process, including customer meetings and technical and commercial discussions.
• Attend and support bid clarification meetings with customers, including presenting and explaining technical aspects of proposals where required.
• Prepare responses to technical and commercial clarifications and support proposal revisions and negotiations.
• Contribute to bid strategies aimed at improving win rates, competitiveness, margins, and profitability.
• Maintain accurate proposal records, costing information, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain and improve proposal templates, databases, internal tools, and standard documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, quality, consistency, and turnaround time of the proposal process.
• Support and participate in customer visits, meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, and other marketing activities as required.

• Degree or equivalent technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  .
• Strong experience in proposal preparation and technical/commercial bid writing
  , preferably for complex engineered equipment or systems.
• Solid understanding of engineering principles relevant to rotating machinery, compressors, blowers, pumps, or process equipment
  .
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, datasheets, industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Familiarity with relevant international standards and codes, such as API, ASME, IEC, and ATEX
  .
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with a high level of attention to detail when preparing cost estimates and technical documentation.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating vendor quotations
  , comparing supplier offers, and developing accurate cost inputs.
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of how technical decisions affect cost,…