Proposal Engineer

About the role

Identify and define technical requirements for customer projects in collaboration with engineering teams. Analyze customer applications and operating conditions to develop optimized machine tool solutions. Evaluate technical feasibility, operational risks, and performance expectations of proposed systems.

• Provide technical problem-solving and engineered solution development tailored to customer requirements.
• Define project scope, assumptions, and technical configurations to establish estimating cost basis.
• Collaborate closely with estimating teams to align technical scope with project costing structure.
• Support cost analysis activities by identifying key cost drivers, materials, and manufacturing requirements.
• Contribute to investment evaluations and cost-benefit analysis for engineered solutions.
• Prepare detailed customer proposals including technical specifications and commercial content.
• Ensure proposals clearly communicate system capabilities, operational performance, and customer value.
• Develop preliminary build specifications and technical configurations for internal project alignment.
• Support sales teams by explaining technical proposal content and engineered solutions.
• Participate in customer discussions to clarify technical requirements and present proposed systems.
• Provide ongoing technical support during the proposal phase, including revisions and customer inquiries.
• Translate customer requirements into internal technical documentation and engineering direction.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Estimating, Production, and Technical Office teams throughout proposal development.
• Ensure proposed solutions align with manufacturing capabilities and operational constraints.
• Perform technical and cost analysis to improve proposal accuracy, competitiveness, and execution readiness.
• Identify opportunities for standardization and reuse of proven engineering solutions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to proposal tools, processes, and documentation.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of experience supporting machine tools, CNC equipment, industrial machinery, or manufacturing operations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and customer requirements.
• Experience developing technical proposals, engineered solutions, or application-based system recommendations.
• Strong analytical thinking and technical problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred but not required.
• Experience with CNC systems, automation technologies, or custom machine builds.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and engineering documentation practices.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, and testing.
• Exposure to cost estimation, investment analysis, or financial evaluation within engineering projects.