Proposal Engineer - Cost Estimator

Proposal Engineer / Cost Estimator

Position Summary
We have an immediate opening for a full-time Proposal Engineer / Cost Estimator to support the development of engineered solutions for advanced machine tool and industrial manufacturing projects.

This role serves as the technical bridge between Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Production by transforming customer requirements into technically sound, commercially competitive proposals. The successful candidate will combine strong engineering knowledge with manufacturing cost analysis to develop accurate estimates, optimize system designs, and support proposal development from initial concept through project handoff.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in CNC machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing and enjoys solving complex technical challenges while balancing engineering performance with commercial objectives.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze customer requirements and application data to develop optimized machine tool and manufacturing solutions.
• Define project scope, technical assumptions, machine configurations, and engineering requirements for proposal development.
• Develop complete technical and commercial proposals that accurately communicate system capabilities, performance expectations, 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.
• 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 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 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 experience supporting CNC machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing technical proposals, engineered solutions, and manufacturing cost estimates.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and GD&T specifications.
• 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 preferred.
• 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 & Travel Requirements

• Position supports industrial manufacturing and machine tool operations.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required based on project and customer needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $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.