Technical Sales Estimator

Manager of Pre-Sales Engineering

This role exists to turn operational reality into commercial excellence. The Manager of Pre-Sales Engineering leads the quoting and internal project management teams to ensure that quotes are accurate, executable, and margin-protective, and that awarded work flows smoothly from order to delivery. This leader uses deep manufacturing knowledge to eliminate the traditional gap between what is quoted, what is planned, and what is actually executed on the floor.

Primary accountability areas include: Quoting accuracy and optimization, commercial execution discipline, quote-to-actual performance alignment, internal project management effectiveness and continuous improvement of estimating models and assumptions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the quoting / estimating team
• Establish and enforce quoting standards:
• Assumptions
• Risk flags
• Routing logic
• Cycle time, setup, and labor models
• Apply CNC and manufacturing expertise to:
• Improve process selection
• Eliminate unrealistic assumptions
• Align quotes with true shop capability
• Drive continuous improvement in:
• Quote accuracy
• Margin protection
• Win-rate by margin band
• Act as the technical authority on manufacturability during quoting

2. Quote-to-Execution Alignment

• Ensure awarded work matches quoted scope, assumptions, and strategy
• Validate routings, setups, and process plans prior to release
• Partner closely with Operations to:
• Confirm feasibility
• Surface risks early
• Adjust scope or schedule before issues occur
• Lead post-job reviews to close gaps between:
• Quoted vs actual time
• Quoted vs actual cost
• Quoted vs actual margin

3. Internal Project / Program Management Leadership

• Lead internal Project Managers
• Ensure PMs:
• Run structured kickoffs
• Maintain scope, schedule, and change control
• Escalate risks early and clearly
• Standardize PM workflows from order acceptance through delivery
• Serve as escalation point for:
• Scope changes
• Schedule conflicts
• Commercial execution issues

4. Cross-Functional Integration

• Serve as the primary interface between:
• Quoting
• Project Management
• Operations
• Translate operational constraints into commercial decisions
• Support the Department P&L Owner with:
• Risk identification
• Margin improvement initiatives

5. Continuous Improvement & Systems

• Improve estimating tools, templates, and logic
• Drive standard work for quoting, work release and internal project management
• Support implementation of:
• Software optimization
• ERP / MES enhancements
• Data feedback loops from the shop floor
• Champion data-driven decision making in quoting and execution

Requirements

• At least 5 years' experience in a CNC or technical role, and supporting sales or customer engagement in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field preferred.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing, specifically CNC and additive manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to review and refine technical solutions, lead complex demos, and address technical objections.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software.
• Aerospace and Defense experience a plus.
• Previous leadership experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated history of pre-sales or technical sales support, particularly in complex engineering or manufacturing environments.

At we offer:

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Company paid for Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Additional Benefits: Paid time off, Floating Holidays, Volunteer time off, and sick time off (depending on state of employment). 401k Plan

Employee Perks: Discounts on products and services.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled