Engineering Director, Proposals

Utility is delivering sustainable energy solutions, enabling the energy transition to a low carbon world. It’s our passion, our drive and why we exist. Our team combines world-leading expertise and thought leadership with many decades of industry experience. Leveraging our proprietary and differentiated solutions, Utility is unlocking beyond net-zero hydrogen production as the affordable clean energy of the future.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, Utility is looking to hire an experienced Engineering Director, Proposals to play a key role in our dynamic and rapidly growing company. The Engineering Director, Proposals will lead and is responsible for the full technical proposal and initial project development process, starting with the conceptual phase. Key deliverables include the technical solution, capex, opex, and project implementation concept.

This role is the primary proposal interface between Engineering, Projects, and Business Development, will form a key part of the business development team, and is integral to the business and project development process and success. The successful candidate will set the tone for exceptional collaboration with subject matter experts and other project stakeholders, resulting in strong technical proposals as part of the overall business development efforts. This role is based in Houston and requires approximately 30% travel, including international.

This role presents an excellent opportunity for a candidate who is creative and comfortable working from a “blank sheet of paper”. The successful candidate is excited about working on first-of-a-kind proposals while establishing processes and best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and Manage Front-End-Loading (FEL) and Feasibility Studies:
• Develop and implement robust FEL methodologies and work processes.
• Oversee the execution of FEL studies for various projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Process Engineering, Project Management, Business Development and Supply Chain) throughout the FEL phase.
• Manage FEL deliverables, including process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment specifications, and preliminary cost, operating, and schedule estimates.
• Proposal Development Support:
• Provide technical expertise and support during the preparation of technical proposals.
• Ensure the technical content of proposals is accurate, complete, and aligned with FEL study findings.
• Develop and present technical sections of proposals to customers.
• Respond to customer inquiries and technical clarifications during the proposal evaluation phase.
• Risk Management:
• Identify and assess potential technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Conduct HAZOP studies and other safety reviews during the FEL phase.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Continuously evaluate and improve FEL processes and methodologies.
• Identify and implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance FEL efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in FEL management.
• Mentorship and Training:
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on FEL principles and best practices.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops on relevant FEL topics.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering candidates should have a solid foundation of process engineering while Chemical Engineering candidates should have a solid understanding of rotating equipment, piping and vessels.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in engineering, with a strong emphasis on proposal development and FEL studies.
• Proven experience in leading and managing FEL projects, including budget and schedule control.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Broad thinker capable of developing creative solutions in an environment with low definition
• Comfortable with ambiguities that exist in early FEL stages or first-of-a-kind project proposals.
• Ability to match the effort and speed of response with the maturity of proposal required
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in relevant engineering software (e.g. MS Project).
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in a specific industry (e.g., oil and gas, petrochemical, industrial gases).
• Experience with project management methodologies (e.g., PMP).
• Familiarity with relevant software (e.g., HYSYS, Aspen Plus, AutoCAD, Plant3D).