Proposal Engineer

MARCH; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

MARCH is seeking a Proposals Engineer to join our Digital team in Reading on a hybrid basis, with regular travel to customer sites. This role bridges technical engineering and customer engagement, designing automation solutions and developing compelling proposals for client consideration.

You will guide customers through the selection and implementation of control systems, working across Utilities, FMCG, Manufacturing and related sectors to craft robust bids and effective project scoping.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in systems integration, automation engineering or technical sales.
• Strong understanding of PLCs, SCADA, HMI and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with control panel design, instrumentation and industrial communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Background in Utilities, FMCG, Manufacturing or similar industries.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to engage customers effectively.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Understanding of full automation project lifecycle.
• Willingness to travel regularly to customer sites and hold a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Represent MARCH’s culture and values with customers and internally.
• Engage with customers to understand automation requirements across multiple sectors.
• Conduct detailed site surveys to support accurate and robust proposals.
• Review engineering documentation and scope to develop fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Design control system architectures (PLCs, SCADA, HMI, networks).
• Prepare high-quality technical proposals, cost estimates and scope-of-work documents.
• Deliver client presentations, system demonstrations and attend site visits.
• Collaborate with engineering and project teams to ensure deliverables are practical.
• Maintain knowledge of automation technologies and vendor platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider).
• Support sales activities including CRM updates, pipeline tracking and forecasting.
• Attend industry events and client meetings to promote capabilities.

Skills

PLCs, SCADA, HMI

Automation systems

Technical sales

Customer engagement

Proposal writing

Communication & presentations

Travel readiness

Office suite (MS Office)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

MS Office

Vendor design/proposal tools

Job description

Hybrid / Reading (with regular travel to customer sites)

We’re now looking to recruit a Proposals Engineer to join our growing Digital team at MARCH. This is a key role bridging technical engineering and customer engagement, supporting the sales function by designing automation solutions, developing compelling proposals, and guiding customers through the selection and implementation of control systems tailored to their needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent MARCH’s culture and values both internally and externally
• Engage with customers to understand automation and control requirements across sectors including Utilities, FMCG, Food & Beverage, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Manufacturing
• Conduct detailed site surveys to support accurate and robust proposals
• Review engineering documentation and technical scope to develop fit-for-purpose solutions
• Design control system architectures (PLCs, SCADA, HMI, industrial networks)
• Prepare high-quality technical proposals, cost estimates, and scope-of-work documents
• Deliver client presentations, system demonstrations, and attend site visits
• Collaborate with engineering and project teams to ensure deliverable, practical solutions
• Maintain knowledge of automation technologies, vendor platforms (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider), and industry standards
• Support sales activities including CRM updates, pipeline tracking, and forecasting
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and client meetings to promote MARCH capabilities

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field
• 3+ years’ experience within systems integration, automation engineering, or technical sales
• Strong understanding of PLCs, SCADA, HMI, and industrial automation systems
• Experience with control panel design, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, Ethernet/IP)
• Background in industries such as Utilities, FMCG, Manufacturing, or similar
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage customers effectively
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines
• Understanding of full automation project lifecycle
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and vendor design/proposal tools
• Willingness to travel regularly to customer sites
• Full UK driving licence

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on innovative, multi-sector automation projects
• Exposure to leading-edge technologies and industry platforms
• Career development within a growing Digital and Automation division
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A role with real customer impact and visibility across projects

About Us

We are MARCH®. The leading provider of critical engineering services. Supporting the industries we all rely on to improve their infrastructure, process, and digital environments. We work together with our customers to maintain business continuity, optimise output, and drive new standards in productivity, reliability, and sustainability. We help deliver operational resilience, increased performance, and better environmental outcomes, across the board.

Why March?

Progress is People.

MARCH has ambitious plans and central to our future growth is attracting, developing and retaining the very best talent. Whether your role is onsite or office-based, engineering or support, we offer opportunities for all our people to develop their careers and maximise their potential. MARCH is committed to building teams that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe diverse thinking strengthens engineering, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let the team know