Bid and Proposal Specialist, Automotive Robotics US

ABB; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB Inc.'s Robotics division seeks a Senior Proposal Engineer to develop robot and function package proposals from customer requirements through final bid submission. You will configure ABB robots based on application needs and coordinate with engineering, sales, and finance to deliver executable automation solutions.

The role requires cost estimating for robots, equipment, and systems, plus risk reviews and competitive pricing strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering is required or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience developing proposals for industrial robots, automotive applications.
• Experience performing cost estimates for robot systems.
• Conducting Proposal Risk Reviews at Local & Global levels.
• Experience managing internal teams and meeting tight timelines.
• Familiarity with robot selection and configuration, controllers, software options and safety features.
• Excel proficiency with functions; SAP experience required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% (domestic and international).

Responsibilities

• Develop robot and function package proposals from customer requirements to final bid submission.
• Interface between customers and internal teams; translate requirements into complete automation solutions.
• Configure ABB robots based on application needs; create system concepts and layouts.
• Perform detailed cost estimating for robots, equipment, engineering, and controls.
• Lead bid preparation, risk reviews, and contract evaluations for local and global projects.
• Establish pricing strategies ensuring profitability; review terms incl. shipping, invoicing and warranties.
• Apply Industry 4.0 concepts and ML in manufacturing contexts.
• Provide cost and performance analyses (OEE, JPH) support.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive winning proposals.

Skills

5+ years of experience in robot Propos

Proposal risk reviews

Cross-functional teamwork

Robot selection & configuration

Excel proficiency & SAP experience

Excellent communication skills

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial)

Tools

Excel

SAP

Job description

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to:

Segment Manager - Automotive Body

This individual will be responsible for developing technical and commercial proposals for ABB industrial robots, robot options, function packages and robotic solutions for automotive automation projects within ABB Robotics.

The position combines robot product knowledge, engineering, estimating, sales support, and commercial risk management to create competitive and executable customer solutions.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Develop robot and function package proposals and develop robotic automation system proposals from customer requirements through final bid submission; strong understanding of robot configuration, application requirements, project risk assessment and commercial contract management.
• Serve as the primary interface between customers and internal teams, translating technical requirements into complete automation solutions.
• Select and configure ABB robots based on application requirements, including payload, reach, mounting, controller, software, safety, application options, dress packages, and other robot accessories. Create system concepts, layouts, process designs, and alternative technical solutions for automotive applications when required.
• Perform detailed cost estimating for robots, application equipment, engineering, mechanical, electrical, controls, and fluid power systems, including labor and material costs.
• Conduct target cost and target price analyses using historical robot and project data and market intelligence; lead bid preparation, documentation, risk reviews, and contract evaluations for both local and global projects.
• Establish competitive pricing strategies while ensuring profitability through gross margin and net margin analysis; review commercial terms including shipping, invoicing, payment schedules, warranties, taxation, and cross-border labor considerations.
• Understanding of industrial automation and robotic systems, particularly automotive manufacturing and assembly; drive continuous improvement of estimating, tendering, and proposal development processes.
• Cost estimating for robot products, function packages, mechanical, electrical, and fluid power systems; machine cycle time analysis and production throughput calculations; Performance metrics such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and Gross/Net Jobs Per Hour (JPH).
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies; knowledge of machine learning applications in manufacturing.

Qualifications for the role:

• Requires a Bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Automation Technology, Industrial Engineering or a related engineering field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience developing proposals for industrial robots, automotive applications including performing cost estimates.
• Conducting Proposal Risk Reviews at Local & Global Levels; performing global and customer relations.
• Prior experience managing and working with internal teams; ability to meet tight timelines.
• Familiarity with industrial robot selection and configuration, robot controllers, software options, safety options and robot accessories, automotive robotics technology, material handling, dispense, machine tending, arc welding, assembly, spot welding and vision.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency with functions and prior experience using SAP is required.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, this includes both domestic and international travel.

What's in it for you

We empower you to take the lead, share bold ideas, and shape real outcomes. You’ll grow through hands‑on experience, mentorship, and learning that fits your goals. Here, your work doesn’t just matter, it moves things forward

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinicative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinicative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to [e-mail]. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees

[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]

Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on Candidate/Guest to learn more

Health, Life & Disability

• Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
• Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
• Vision benefit
• Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
• Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
• Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
• Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
• Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy‑up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
• Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance
• Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
• Employee discount program

Retirement

• 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
• Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

Time off

ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Vacation is provided based on years of service for hourly and non-exempt positions. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.

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