Estimation Engineer – Special Purpose Vehicles

We are seeking an experienced Estimation Engineer Special Purpose Vehicles to join our engineering and commercial team. The role focuses on preparing detailed accurate estimates and proposals for specialist vehicle projects including fire trucks rescue vehicles airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) and other customized chassis builds. The successful candidate will work closely with sales design procurement and production to convert enquiries and specifications into competitive margin-aware quotations that meet technical commercial and regulatory requirements.

• Review incoming enquiries specifications drawings and tender documents; identify scope exclusions and any clarification queries required to produce a complete estimate.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and bill of materials for chassis bodywork pump and suppression systems electrical systems ancillaries and fit-out works using company templates and estimating tools.

• Coordinate with design and engineering teams to confirm manufacturability interfaces weights and vehicle stability and to capture any design-related costs or risks.

• Liaise with procurement and suppliers to obtain current component prices lead times and commercial terms; evaluate alternative suppliers and cost-saving options.

• Develop labour overhead and subcontract cost models; apply appropriate profit contingency and risk allowances to produce margin-aware proposals.

• Prepare formal quotations commercial schedules and tender submissions ensuring clarity on scope exclusions delivery timelines and warranty or service obligations.

• Support commercial negotiations by providing cost breakdowns justifications for pricing decisions and recommended commercial positions.

• Maintain and update estimating databases standard cost libraries and parts catalogues to improve estimating speed and accuracy.

• Perform post-tender reviews and lessons-learned analyses to refine estimating assumptions and continuous improvement of estimating processes.

• Ensure estimates and proposals comply with relevant regulatory safety and industry standards and liaise with compliance or certification teams where required.

• Provide technical and cost input to change control and variation orders during project delivery assessing impact on schedule and margin.

• Maintain accurate records of enquiries bids win/loss outcomes and estimate revisions within CRM/ERP systems; provide regular reporting to commercial management.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Automotive Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent technical discipline or relevant industry experience.

• Minimum 36 years experience in estimation or commercial roles for fire trucks specialist vehicles commercial vehicle bodies plant equipment or similar capital goods.

• Good technical understanding of vehicle chassis integration body structures pump & suppression systems electrical wiring hydraulics and ancillaries.

• Proven experience preparing detailed bills of materials labour estimates and tender submissions; familiarity with cost modelling and margin management.

• Competent in reading technical drawings specifications and wiring diagrams; able to identify missing information and request clarifications.

• Experience working with procurement and suppliers to obtain quotations and manage lead-time constraints.

• Proficient with MS Office; experience with estimating software ERP or CRM systems is desirable.

• Experience with airport rescue and firefighting vehicles (ARFF).

• Familiarity with NFPA EN1846 ICAO or other firefighting vehicle standards.

• Understanding of procurement and supply chain costing.

• Experience with ERP systems (SAP Oracle Microsoft Dynamics etc.).

• Knowledge of Incoterms freight costing and import/export logistics.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and 3D models.

• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.

• Strong communication and negotiation abilities.