Proposal Engineer

ICOMAT; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Stock options

Career growth opportunities

Innovation-focused culture

Job summary

ICOMAT is seeking a Proposal Engineer to interface with Business Development, Engineering, and Operations in Gloucester. The role involves developing high-quality proposals based on customer briefs and creating detailed cost models.

You will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between technical solutions and commercial offers while engaging with customers to refine submissions. Ideal candidates are degree-qualified engineers with experience or strong exposure to composites manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years' experience in industry (or strong graduate with relevant exposure).
• Background or interest in composites manufacturing.
• Looking to pivot toward a more commercial, customer-facing role.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling proposals based on customer requirements.
• Build detailed cost models and validate manufacturing assumptions.
• Act as a link between business development, engineering, and manufacturing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in engineering (materials, mechanical, aerospace)

Job description

Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!

iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) – the only proven technology for producing defect‑free curved‑fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory.

We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale‑up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.

The business currently has more than 130 000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.

We are looking for a Proposal Engineer to sit at the critical interface between Business Development, Engineering, and Operations.

This is a hands‑on, commercially focused role where you will take customer requirements and turn them into high‑quality, costed proposals that win work.

You’ll own the proposal process end‑to‑end — from interpreting the brief through to submission — working closely with technical and manufacturing teams to ensure accuracy and credibility.

What will you be doing?

• Proposal development
  • Translate customer or BD briefs into structured, compelling proposals
  • Develop technical narratives in collaboration with engineering teams
  • Ensure proposals clearly communicate value, differentiation, and delivery approach
• Cost modelling & pricing
  • Build detailed cost models (materials, labour, tooling, overheads)
  • Work with operations to validate manufacturing assumptions
  • Support pricing strategy to ensure competitiveness and margin
• Cross‑functional coordination
  • Act as the link between BD, engineering, and manufacturing
  • Drive inputs, timelines, and internal reviews
  • Ensure alignment between technical solution and commercial offer
• Customer engagement
  • Support technical/commercial discussions with customers
  • Be able to articulate proposals clearly and confidently
  • Respond to queries and refine submissions
• Continuous improvement
  • Help standardise proposal templates, costing tools, and processes
  • Capture learnings from wins/losses to improve future bids

What do we need from you?

• Degree‑qualified in engineering (materials, mechanical, aerospace, or similar)
• 1–3 years’ experience in industry (or a strong graduate with relevant exposure)
• Background or interest in composites manufacturing
• Looking to pivot toward a more commercial, customer‑facing role
• Enjoys bridging the gap between technical detail and commercial strategy

You’ll likely be someone who:

• Is comfortable working across multiple teams and disciplines
• Has strong attention to detail, particularly in cost and data
• Can communicate clearly, both internally and externally
• Wants to grow into a broader commercial or business development role

Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence

• Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on.
• Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate.
• Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.

Why iCOMAT?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unparalleled professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation‑Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on an inclusive, forward‑thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.

Ready to be part of something big?

Apply now to learn more and join us on our exciting journey!