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Proposal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Partner closely with factory proposal teams, application engineers, product managers, and Sales Managers/Reps to guide proposal strategy and maintain clear, concise communication across ...

Partner closely with factory proposal teams, application engineers, product managers, and Sales Managers/Reps to guide proposal strategy and maintain clear, concise communication across ...

Sales Support Manager __ As a Strategic Segment Proposal Engineer, you will be responsible for developing Technical & Commercial Proposals for ABB Electrification's focused industry segments (data ...

New

Sales Support Manager __ As a Strategic Segment Proposal Engineer, you will be responsible for developing Technical & Commercial Proposals for ABB Electrification's focused industry segments (data ...

New

Proposal Coordinator

Orange, CA · On-site

$70K - $72K/yr

Health insurance PacRim Engineering is a leading engineering consulting firm that offers our ... We are currently looking to hire an experienced Proposal Coordinator for our Orange Office to join ...

Proposal Manager McMillen, Inc. is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly organized ... Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical ...

New

Proposal Administrator

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Lead the endtoend proposal process, including research, writing, editing, and submission related to environmental and engineering consulting projects, applications and contract proposals. * Organize ...

Proposal Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110 - $180/hr

From engineering and programming to operations, DZYNE Technologies is seeking talented individuals ... Position Proposal Manager Location Irvine, CA Job Id: 1258 # of Openings: 1 About DZYNE DZYNE ...

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Showing results 1-20

Proposal Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$98.4K

$126.8K

How much do proposal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal engineer in California is $98,352.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proposal engineer?

Proposal engineers develop and review contract bids for projects based on what the client needs. As a proposal engineer, you gather supporting documentation to make the proposal more competitive. You determine costs and timelines, and may outline a variety of factors that may increase or decrease them. Projects may range from large building construction to software development. Proposal engineers must have extensive knowledge of the industry in which they work; they collaborate with sales and design staff to ensure the contract proposal accurately reflects what the company can provide the client. Some proposal engineers work for a consulting firm and are hired by companies, while others work in the sales department of a company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a proposal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project estimation, and proposal development, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CAD applications, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is often required. Exceptional attention to detail, effective communication, and strong organizational skills set standout professionals apart. These competencies ensure accurate proposals, clear client communication, and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a competitive bidding environment.

What are some common challenges proposal engineers face when collaborating with sales and technical teams, and how can these be managed effectively?

Proposal Engineers often act as a bridge between sales and technical teams, which can lead to challenges such as aligning technical feasibility with client expectations and tight deadlines. Effective communication and early involvement in project discussions help ensure that all requirements are clearly understood and realistic commitments are made. Building strong relationships with both teams and maintaining detailed documentation can help manage differing priorities and streamline the proposal development process.

What is the difference between Proposal Engineer vs Sales Engineer?

AspectProposal EngineerSales Engineer
Primary RolePrepares technical proposals and bids for projectsSells products/services by demonstrating technical features
Required SkillsTechnical writing, project understanding, proposal developmentTechnical knowledge, customer communication, sales skills
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often collaborating with engineering teamsClient-facing, often traveling to customer sites
Industry UsageCommon in engineering, manufacturing, constructionCommon in technology, industrial equipment, manufacturing

While Proposal Engineers focus on creating detailed technical proposals to secure projects, Sales Engineers engage directly with clients to promote and sell technical products or services. Both roles require technical expertise, but Proposal Engineers are more involved in documentation and bid preparation, whereas Sales Engineers emphasize customer interaction and sales processes.

How much does a proposal engineer make?

A proposal engineer's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior proposal engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses or benefits. Strong communication and technical skills are important for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Proposal Engineer jobs in CA?

For Proposal Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Proposal Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,352 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Commercial Proposal Engineer

ABB

Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


ABB Group rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner-and every person here makes that happen. You'll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

Sales Support Manager

__

Your role and responsibilities

In this role, you will focus on the Commercial Construction market segment in the United States. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing complex proposals by analyzing RFP documents and implementing strategic plans to create Clean, Competitive, Compliant, and Compelling proposals. This role involves configuring products and collaborating with other proposal resources as needed. The goal is to produce clean, executable orders that balance market competitiveness, company profitability, and customer needs. A deep understanding of the various products and markets served by the ABB Electrification business is essential for this position.

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote

This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart Buildings Division in the U.S.

You will be mainly accountable for:

  • Create clean, competitive, compliant, and compelling proposals for projects in the Commercial Contractor segment. Ensure alignment with ABB processes and focus on high-probability, high-profitability opportunities.
  • Partner closely with factory proposal teams, application engineers, product managers, and Sales Managers/Reps to guide proposal strategy and maintain clear, concise communication across Electrification Products U.S.
  • Organize and participate in Project Strategy and Risk Meetings to align on key priorities and ensure project success. Take initiative to surface challenges early and collaborate across teams to find solutions. Approach each opportunity with commercial intensity-advocating for customer needs while balancing strategic business objectives.
  • Seek out training, resources, and mentorship to support ongoing development. Collaborate with project management to ensure that awarded projects are executable and profitable from the start.

Qualifications for the role:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in Engineering or a related field strongly preferred.
  • Strong technical expertise in electrical distribution systems, including ABB's product portfolio, industry design standards, and configuration tools (e.g., ABB Empower).
  • At least 5 years of experience in the electrical distribution or a related industry focused on sales and project quotations.
  • Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal-with the ability to build relationships and lead cross-functional collaboration.
  • Proficiency in digital tools for remote work and organization, such as Microsoft Outlook, Salesforce.com, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms.
  • Must have current authorization to work in the United States for ABB; visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

More about us:

ABB is a global technology leader driving sustainable and efficient solutions in electrification and automation. With a strong commitment to innovation, ABB is accelerating industrial transformation worldwide. The United States is a key market for ABB, where it has significantly expanded its operations through strategic acquisitions and investments. Employing thousands across the nation, ABB's U.S. footprint is marked by a history of technological breakthroughs and industry firsts.

ABB's Electrical Protection, Distribution & Control products include medium and low voltage switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting panelboards, busway, medium and low voltage circuit breakers, motor and lighting controls, load centers, metering, energy monitoring & control, DIN rail products, dry type transformers and more.

What's in it for you?

We want you to bring your full self to work-your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You'll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-Remote

ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees

[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]

Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on "Candidate/Guest" to learn more

Health, Life & Disability

  • Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
  • Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
  • Vision benefit
  • Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
  • Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
  • Voluntary life and AD&D - 100% employee paid up to maximums
  • Short Term Disability - up to 26 weeks - Company paid
  • Long Term Disability - 60% of pay - Company paid. Ability to "buy-up" to 66 2/3% of pay.
  • Supplemental benefits - 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance
  • Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
  • Employee discount program

Retirement

  • 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
  • Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

Time off

  • ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.

While base salary is determined by things such as the successful applicant's qualifications and experience, this position is expected to pay between $79,800 and $127,680 annually.

MyBenefitsABB.com

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.


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About ABB Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Take your next career step at ABB with a global team that is energizing the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.At ABB, we have the clear goal of driving diversity and inclusion across all dimensions: gender, LGBTQ+, abilities, ethnicity and generations. Together, we are embarking on a journey where each and every one of us, individually and collectively, welcomes and celebrates individual differences.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US