Project Estimator - Machine Automation

Job Description

Job Description

Industrial Automation & Technical Sales Support

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Application Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation and a proven track record supporting sales and business development in complex, large-scale environments. In this role, you will serve as the technical and commercial bridge between Sales, Engineering, and Purchasing, developing accurate cost estimates and technical proposals for opportunities ranging from spare part orders to $20M+ automotive and defense automation projects.

The ideal candidate will be skilled at interpreting complex customer specifications and statements of work, collaborating across departments to build complete estimates, and producing professional proposals that clearly define scope, inclusions, exclusions, and exceptions.

This is primarily an office-based role with occasional plant visits.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Sales team by developing detailed cost estimates and technical proposals for opportunities including spare parts, capital equipment, and large-scale automation projects up to $20M+
• Interpret complex customer specifications, Statements of Work (SOW), and RFQ packages, translating requirements into clearly defined, quotable line items
• Estimate material and labor costs in collaboration with Engineering, Purchasing, and other departments using historical pricing and project data
• Utilize the company ERP system to research component pricing, supplier lead times, and vendor data
• Engage vendors and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotes, particularly for non-standard or long-lead components
• Read and interpret 2D plant layout drawings (AutoCAD) to identify installation requirements, scope implications, and cost drivers
• Author Statements of Work (SOW) for subcontractors including conveyor suppliers, skilled trades vendors, and specialty contractors
• Develop detailed technical proposals in Microsoft Word outlining scope, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and exceptions
• Build and maintain cost estimate models in Microsoft Excel using advanced formulas and structured cost modeling techniques
• Update and maintain CRM records with opportunity details, proposal status, and customer interactions
• Support sales reporting activities by providing pipeline updates, estimate summaries, and requested data to management
• Collaborate with customer engineering and procurement teams on automotive and defense programs to ensure technical and contractual compliance
• Continuously improve estimating tools, templates, and processes to increase efficiency and accuracy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 6+ years of experience in application engineering, sales engineering, or technical estimating within an industrial automation environment
• Proven experience developing cost estimates and proposals for complex automation projects in the automotive and/or defense sectors
• Strong ability to interpret and decompose customer specifications, SOWs, and RFQ documents into quotable scope items
• Experience estimating both material and labor costs for large-scale automated systems
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, complex formulas, and cost model development
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word for creating professional technical proposals
• Experience using ERP systems to retrieve historical pricing, component data, and supplier information
• Ability to read and interpret 2D plant layout drawings in AutoCAD or equivalent software
• Experience writing Statements of Work for subcontractors in a machine automation or systems integration environment
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems and components including:
• • Controls
  • Electrical systems
  • Mechanical systems
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • Conveyors
  • Robotics
• Experience working with CRM platforms and supporting sales pipeline reporting
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a custom automation integrator, systems integrator, or OEM machine builder
• Familiarity with defense contracting requirements, ITAR compliance, or government procurement processes
• Knowledge of controls platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens, including associated component pricing
• Experience supporting proposals for conveyor systems, material handling systems, or plant-wide skilled trades installations

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based
• Occasional travel to customer facilities and manufacturing plants as needed

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Collaborative and technically challenging work environment

SAI Systems is a Metro Detroit-based staffing firm founded in 2008. Connecting top talent with the companies that need them most.

Company Description

SAI Systems is a Metro Detroit-based staffing firm founded in 2008. Connecting top talent with the companies that need them most.