Pre Sales Project Engineer – Electrical Controls

About the role

The Pre Sales Project Engineer is responsible for developing accurate and competitive customer quotations and proposals for industrial electrical control panels and low-voltage power distribution panels. This role serves as the primary technical and commercial interface during the pre-sales phase, ensuring alignment between customer requirements, engineering feasibility, supplier capabilities, and internal manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Quotation Development & Proposal Management
• Review and analyze customer RFQs, specifications, and drawings to develop detailed and accurate quotations
• Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), including part number setup and cross-referencing customer, manufacturer, and internal part numbers
• Prepare complete project cost estimates, including materials, labor, overhead, and supplier pricing
• Develop professional customer proposals and supporting technical documentation
• Track quotation status, revisions, and customer feedback to ensure timely response and closure
• Customer & Stakeholder Communication
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers during the pre-sales phase
• Communicate technical clarifications, design questions, and proposal updates via email, phone, and customer portals
• Collaborate closely with Sales, NPI Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality teams to align on scope, feasibility, and timelines
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to obtain competitive and accurate pricing
• Technical Evaluation & Compliance
• Evaluate customer designs and specifications for manufacturability, cost optimization, and compliance with applicable standards (UL 508A, NFPA 70/NEC, IPC-A-620)
• Identify technical risks, gaps, or ambiguities in RFQs and propose solutions
• Support engineering with preliminary designs, layout concepts, or assembly prints (e.g., SolidWorks) as needed
• Ensure all proposals align with internal manufacturing capabilities and best practices
• Supplier Coordination & Costing
• Prepare RFQ packages and distribute to suppliers for component and fabrication pricing
• Analyze supplier quotations for accuracy, lead time, and cost competitiveness
• Clock with Purchasing and Supply Chain to validate sourcing strategies
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend alternative components or designs where appropriate
• Project Handoff & NPI Support
• Ensure a smooth transition from awarded quotation to NPI Project Manager and production teams
• Provide complete documentation packages including BOMs, drawings, specifications, and cost breakdowns
• Support clarification of scope, design intent, and customer requirements during project kickoff
• Aid in resolving discrepancies between quoted and actual project execution
• Process & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain organized documentation and records of RFQs, quotes, and revisions
• Identify and implement improvements to quotation processes, tools, and accuracy
• Support internal initiatives related to ERP, cost modeling, and standardization

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or Associates degree in Electromechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering preferred, or equivalent experience
• Experience: 3 or more years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or technical sales support
• Experience: Prior experience in quotation, estimating, or pre-sales engineering highly desirable
• Tech Skills: Strong understanding of electrical control panel and power distribution systems; ability to interpret electrical schematics, assembly drawings, and specifications; knowledge of applicable standards (UL 508A, NFPA 70, IPC-A-620); experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SyteLine or equivalent) and BOM management; familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks
• Project & Business Skills: Strong organizational and project tracking abilities to manage multiple RFQs simultaneously; ability to develop accurate cost models and pricing strategies; proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and customer-facing skills; strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management abilities; detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: In UL panel shops or custom panel manufacturing
• Familiarity: With Lean manufacturing or cost optimization techniques
• Experience: Supporting NPI or product launch processes

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities