Proposal Estimator / Cost Manager

About the role

Read, interpret, and analyze detailed mechanical drawings, GD&T documentation, and assembly specifications. Develop bottom-up cost estimates for structural, mechanical, electrical, and purchased subassemblies. Evaluate machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes to establish accurate labor hours and manufacturing routings.

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to validate cycle times, manufacturing methods, and resource requirements.
• Perform should-cost analysis for machined components, weldments, and complex assemblies.
• Build and maintain multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs) with complete cost roll-up structures.
• Standardize cost breakdown structures across machine platforms and product lines.
• Identify cost drivers, high-impact components, and manufacturability improvement opportunities.
• Support design-to-cost initiatives by providing recommendations related to materials, tolerances, and production feasibility.
• Interface with suppliers to obtain technical quotations, evaluate capabilities, and assess lead times and cost competitiveness.
• Conduct supplier and component cost comparisons to support sourcing and procurement decisions.
• Maintain and update labor standards, material pricing databases, and standard costing assumptions.
• Perform annual cost reviews and support continuous improvement initiatives through value engineering and process optimization.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute technical cost input during product development activities.
• Develop detailed technical proposals aligned with customer specifications and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with commercial and project teams to develop competitive and technically accurate proposals.
• Support project execution activities by validating estimated versus actual costs and identifying variances.
• Assist during commissioning and startup activities to ensure alignment between estimated and actual machine performance.
• Support modular design strategies and machine platform standardization initiatives.
• Coordinate across engineering, production, testing, project management, and commercial teams to improve operational efficiency and scalability.
• Ensure proper documentation, configuration tracking, and cost traceability throughout project lifecycles.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of experience in machine tools, CNC systems, industrial equipment manufacturing, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings, assemblies, and GD&T specifications.
• Deep understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes.
• Experience with cost modeling, manufacturing routings, labor estimation, and standard costing methodologies.
• Proficiency working with BOM structures, ERP systems, and MRP platforms.

Nice to Have

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience with CNC machining processes and machine tool design.
• Familiarity with CAD systems such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of tooling, fixturing, and precision manufacturing methodologies.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, value engineering, or cost reduction initiatives.