Proposal Engineer / Cost Estimator

About the role

Analyze customer requirements and application data to develop optimized machine tool and manufacturing solutions.

• Define project scope, technical assumptions, machine configurations, and engineering requirements for proposal development.
• Develop complete technical and commercial proposals that accurately communicate system capabilities, performance expectations, and customer value.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, engineering specifications, assembly documentation, and GD&T requirements.
• Develop detailed bottom-up cost estimates for mechanical, structural, electrical, purchased, and fabricated assemblies.
• Build and maintain multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs) with complete cost roll-up structures.
• Evaluate machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes to establish accurate labor estimates and manufacturing routings.
• Perform should-cost analysis, cost modeling, and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
• Identify key cost drivers and recommend opportunities for cost reduction, manufacturability improvements, and value engineering.
• Support design-to-cost initiatives through material selection, manufacturing process optimization, and component standardization.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Sourcing, and Commercial teams throughout proposal development.
• Obtain supplier quotations and evaluate pricing, lead times, manufacturing capabilities, and sourcing strategies.
• Assist Sales by providing technical support during customer meetings, proposal reviews, and solution presentations.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and provide technical cost analysis during product development.
• Validate estimated versus actual project costs and support continuous improvement initiatives to improve estimating accuracy.
• Contribute to machine platform standardization, modular product development, and proposal process improvements.
• Maintain accurate estimating databases, labor standards, costing assumptions, and engineering documentation.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience supporting CNC machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing technical proposals, engineered solutions, and manufacturing cost estimates.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and GD&T specifications.
• Experience with Bills of Materials (BOMs), ERP/MRP systems, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience with CNC machine tools, automation systems, or custom industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar engineering software.
• Experience supporting value engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of tooling, fixturing, manufacturing routings, and precision machining methodologies.
• Experience with investment analysis, cost modeling, and design-for-manufacturing principles.