Full Job Description
Primary Function:
The Project Development Engineer works closely with the sales organization, acting as the technical and commercial bridge between Dashiell's customers and our internal engineering, construction, and pre-construction teams. This position supports the Accounts & Business Development team throughout the opportunity lifecycle and helps shape well-defined, executable EPC solutions. This is an onsite role with approximately 20-30% travel. The position will be based in our Houston, TX office located at 12301 Kurland Drive, Houston, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell's Accounts & Business Development leadership.
Duties & Responsibilities
Employee may be called upon to perform any or all of the following functions:
3 Partner with the Accounts & Business Development team to qualify opportunities for HV/MV substations, T-Line, and BESS projects, and help define the technical scope and project requirements.
3 Review RFQs, technical specifications, and customer standards to identify key requirements, risks, and clarifications needed before proposal development.
3 Develop preliminary technical concepts (e.g., one-line diagrams, high-level layouts, conceptual designs) in collaboration with engineering and construction teams.
3 Prepare budgetary estimates and support the development of detailed EPC proposals, including scope descriptions, assumptions, exclusions, and technical attachments.
3 Coordinate internal inputs from engineering, construction, pre-construction, procurement, and field services to ensure proposals are aligned, consistent, and executable.
3 Support the preparation of technical and commercial proposal documents, presentations, and other customer-facing materials.
3 Participate in customer meetings, technical discussions, and clarification calls as the engineering point of contact, working alongside the leadership group.
3 Track and follow up on open technical items, RFIs, and data requests to keep opportunities moving through the development process.
3 Maintain and update standard proposal content, templates, and reference materials to improve consistency and efficiency in project development.
3 Contribute to opportunity reviews, bid/no-bid recommendations, and handoff meetings when projects transition from development into execution.
3 Support contract discussions with customers as needed, working alongside the leadership group.
3 Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.
How You Will Make an Impact
3 Support revenue growth by helping turn customer needs and RFQs into clear, well-defined, and deliverable EPC proposals.
3 Improve proposal quality by ensuring technical scope, constructability, and commercial terms are aligned and clearly articulated in customer-facing documents.
3 Enhance responsiveness to customers by helping streamline the project development process and coordinating timely internal input.
3 Strengthen customer relationships by serving as a reliable, technically competent resource during discussions, meetings, and clarification cycles.
3 Reduce execution risk by identifying technical and commercial gaps early in the development phase and coordinating internal alignment on solutions.
3 Help build a collaborative, accountable culture between Sales, Engineering, Pre-Construction, Construction, and Field Services focused on delivering successful projects.
Minimum Qualifications / Experience
Education
3 Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred.
3 Plan to acquire a PE License preferred.
Industry Experience (Preferred)
3 Minimum of 2 years of experience in the power industry, preferably in HV/MV substation, transmission, or BESS projects (utility, IPP, industrial, or similar).
3 Familiarity with EPC project delivery and typical project phases from early development through execution.
3 Understanding of substation systems (primary and secondary), protection & controls, and field constructability considerations is strongly preferred.
Technical & Digital Skills (Preferred)
3 Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, one-line diagrams, equipment specifications, and construction documents.
3 Experience supporting cost estimates or proposals for power projects (materials, equipment, labor, and indirects).
3 Comfort working with common engineering and office software tools (e.g., CAD/BIM viewers, spreadsheets, and document management systems).
3 Strong analytical skills to evaluate project requirements, support pricing decisions, and compare technical options.
Commercial & Customer-Facing Acumen (Preferred)
3 Experience reviewing RFQs, technical specifications, and commercial terms to identify key scope elements, risks, and clarifications.
3 Ability to support the Accounts & Business Development team in preparing and delivering proposals, presentations, and customer responses.
3 Comfortable participating in customer meetings, discussing technical topics, and representing the company's capabilities professionally.
Collaboration & Communication (Preferred)
3 Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Construction, Pre-Construction, Procurement, and Field Services.
3 Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, concise information for internal and external stakeholders.
3 Collaborative mindset with a focus on shared outcomes and maintaining strong working relationships.
Execution & Mindset (Preferred)
3 Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to support multiple concurrent opportunities and deadlines.
3 Attention to detail and a disciplined approach to documentation, follow-up, and closure of open items.
3 Continuous improvement mindset, with an interest in refining tools, templates, and processes used in project development.
3 Team-oriented, proactive, and accountable, with a focus on delivering high-quality work and supporting successful projects.
Physical Requirements:
3 Ability to sit for extended periods during office-based work.
3 Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during field visits.
3 Ability to walk on uneven terrain, gravel, and graded surfaces.
3 Ability to navigate active construction environments including stairs, ramps, and temporary walkways.
3 Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
3 Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR clothing, and hearing protection.
3 Ability to travel to project sites as required.
Environmental Conditions
3 Combination of climate-controlled office work and outdoor construction environments.
3 Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
3 Exposure to noise, dust, and industrial conditions during site visits.
Dashiell offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and an employee assistance program. Additional benefit offerings include medical coverage through a traditional PPO or one of two high-deductible health plans (with FSA or HSA options), dental and vision coverage, supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, critical illness insurance, group accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, among others.