Proposal Development Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead proposal development efforts for simple, moderate, and complex opportunities across assigned market segments.
• Develop and manage proposal schedules, ensuring cross-functional contributors understand requirements, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Partner with Program Managers and business leaders to prepare proposals for leadership approval.
• Lead effective cross-functional proposal meetings, drive action closure, and escalate risks or gaps when needed.
• Gather cost inputs from Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and other functional leaders.
• Build and maintain accurate cost estimates using ERP data, Excel-based Basis of Estimate files, and other proposal tools.
• Support proposal pricing, standard margin analysis, cost roll-ups, and business case review.
• Ensure proposal assumptions, clarifications, exceptions, and value messaging are clearly communicated in proposal letters and supporting volumes.
• Support certified cost/pricing data efforts, including TINA-related proposals, as required.
• Participate in EBOS continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen, JDI, or structured problem-solving events.
• Build strong working relationships across Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Supply Chain, Finance, and Program Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related analytical field required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in cost estimating, proposal development, pricing, program finance, project management, engineering, operations, or a related role.
• Experience in aerospace and defense, government contracting, or another regulated industry preferred.
• Familiarity with FAR / DFAR requirements and certified cost or pricing data preferred.
• Experience developing cost estimates, proposal inputs, pricing support, or Basis of Estimate files.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and Program Management.
• Experience using ERP data to support business analysis, estimating, pricing, or project decisions.
• Experience managing short-cycle projects, deadlines, action items, and stakeholder follow-up.
• Experience supporting proposals or business cases greater than ~$5M preferred.

Skills

• Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical ability with high attention to detail.
• Ability to validate cost roll-ups, identify gaps, and assess whether pricing makes sense from a broader business perspective.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead meetings, drive accountability, and keep cross-functional teams aligned.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure.