Proposal Engineer - Cost Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer – Proposals & Cost Estimating

Position Summary

We have an immediate opening for a full-time Manufacturing Engineer - Proposals & Cost Estimating to bring hands-on engineering expertise to the development of complex CNC machine tool solutions and machine upgrade projects. This role requires a strong engineering foundation - someone who genuinely understands machine design, mechanical systems, and upgrade/retrofit engineering for precision industrial equipment - and applies that expertise to build accurate, technically sound proposals and cost estimates.

This role serves as the technical bridge between Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Production, translating customer requirements into engineered solutions and using that engineering judgment to drive proposal accuracy. The ideal candidate has real design and build experience with CNC machine tools or industrial equipment - not just an estimating background - and can independently assess machine configurations, upgrade feasibility, and technical trade-offs before the cost conversation even starts.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to customer and supplier sites as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply engineering expertise to evaluate customer requirements and application data, developing optimized machine tool designs and upgrade solutions.
• Define project scope, machine configurations, and engineering requirements based on hands-on understanding of CNC machine design and construction.
• Assess the engineering feasibility, design complexity, and technical risk of new-build and machine upgrade/retrofit projects.
• Develop complete technical and commercial proposals that accurately communicate system capabilities, engineering performance, 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, grounded in engineering-level understanding of the build.
• 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 engineering-driven 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/engineering 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.

Required Qualifications

• 5-10 years of hands-on engineering experience with CNC machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing - direct involvement in machine design, build, or upgrade/retrofit projects required.
• Strong, demonstrated understanding of mechanical engineering principles, machine design, and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience engineering or evaluating machine upgrades, retrofits, or modifications to complex CNC equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and GD&T specifications.
• Experience developing technical proposals and engineered solutions, with cost estimation as a supporting skill rather than the primary background.
• Experience with Bills of Materials (BOMs), ERP/MRP systems, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both engineering and commercial teams.
• Ability to balance technical performance, manufacturability, and commercial objectives while managing multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline strongly preferred.
• Direct design or build 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.

Location

• Rockford, IL

Travel Requirements

• Occasional domestic travel may be required based on project and customer needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• $70,000 - $100,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package available.

About Lean Synergy Solutions

Lean Synergy Solutions is a Veteran-owned and operated recruiting firm that specializes in aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across a variety of industries. Our team, consisting of military veterans and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. Focused on placing skilled professionals in key roles, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities in government, public, and private sector positions.