Director of Applications and Estimation

Director of Applications & Estimation

Greater Philadelphia Area (On-site)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Director of Applications & Estimation to lead a critical function at the front end of a custom engineered-to-order (ETO) business. This role is responsible for evaluating customer opportunities, developing technical solutions, and ensuring accurate, competitive proposals that align with operational capabilities and business objectives.

This is a high-impact leadership position that sits at the intersection of sales, engineering, and operations. The individual in this role will directly influence which projects are pursued, how they are scoped, and how successfully they are executed.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial and Technical Leadership

• Lead evaluation of incoming opportunities from concept through proposal
• Ensure solutions are technically sound, operationally executable, and financially viable
• Partner with sales to develop competitive and differentiated solutions

Applications Engineering and Solution Development

• Guide development of system concepts, layouts, and equipment selections
• Translate customer requirements into engineered solutions
• Participate in customer discussions, site visits, and technical reviews

Estimating and Proposal Development

• Oversee development of cost estimates, budgets, and proposals
• Ensure accuracy of estimates and clarity of scope and assumptions
• Support complex or high-value opportunities as needed

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of applications engineers and estimators
• Establish performance expectations and accountability
• Build team capability to support business growth

Process and Performance Improvement

• Standardize and improve quoting and estimating processes
• Implement tools and methodologies to improve estimate accuracy and proposal efficiency
• Establish and track key performance indicators tied to business outcomes

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience in applications engineering, estimating, or proposal leadership
• 5 or more years of leadership experience in a technical or commercial engineering environment
• Experience in engineered-to-order, custom machinery, automation, or industrial systems environments
• Strong understanding of industrial equipment, system integration, and process flow
• Ability to evaluate complex systems and translate them into costed solutions
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical and commercial considerations

Compensation

Base salary is expected to be in the range of $195,000.00 to $230,000.00 with flexibility for highly qualified candidates. A performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits package are also included.

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to the business. It determines how opportunities are evaluated, how solutions are designed, and how projects are priced. The Director of Applications & Estimation plays a key role in driving revenue quality, margin performance, and overall execution success.

If you are interested in learning more, we welcome a confidential conversation.