Cost/Proposal Estimator - Engineer

Destaco; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Destaco is seeking a Cost/Proposal Estimator-Engineer to determine customer pricing for modified products and specially manufactured items, respond to inquiries accurately, maintain product knowledge, and collaborate globally to assure customer satisfaction.

The role focuses on developing quotations, evaluating costs, and ensuring price breakouts maximize gross profit while meeting customer requirements. Collaboration with sales, engineering, and support teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business or related field required.
• Proven ability to develop and interpret pricing proposals.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and calculate quotations based on pricing practices.
• Issue quotations within standard lead times and track KPI’s.
• Communicate quotes, price sheets, delivery and sales information.
• Determine costs for modified products and special items.
• Verify and validate price breakouts to ensure gross profit.
• Collaborate with global teams to meet customer expectations.
• Maintain knowledge of products, usage, and materials.
• Interface with internal and external contacts to ensure satisfaction.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

Associate’s degree in business or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Cost/Proposal Estimator-Engineer will determine customer pricing for modified products and specially manufactured items, respond to inquiries accurately and promptly, maintain product knowledge, and collaborate globally to assure customer satisfaction.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and calculate quotations based on established pricing practices.
• Issue quotations within standard lead times while tracking KPI’s.
• Communicate special quotes, price‑sheet interpretation, delivery and other necessary sales and marketing information.
• Determine costs for modified products and special manufactured items.
• Verify and validate price breakouts on quotations to ensure proper gross profit.
• Assess most price‑effective proposals based on customer requirements and may recommend alternate products when budget constraints exist.
• Perform engineering product sizing studies to identify the best product for customer needs.
• Suggest cost‑cutting methods to improve standard procedures, price sheets and other sales and marketing programs.
• Interface effectively with internal and external contacts to provide excellent customer satisfaction.
• Support sales and product engineers by providing accurate account information, analysis and feedback as business needs evolve.
• Collaborate across the global organization with customer service representatives, technical support, sales, field service, product and applications engineering to meet customer expectations.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of products, usage, and application of materials.

Experience

• 2‑4 years of customer service experience; experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficient with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project). Office 2007/2010 experience a plus.
• Experience with customer satisfaction surveys a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High energy, strong interpersonal skills, prefers team environment.
• Analytical thinker with ability to make decisions and problem‑solve promptly.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines.
• Flexible, quick learner, willing to adapt to customer and market needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively, maintain positive relationships with colleagues and external customers, and manage stressful situations with a positive attitude.
• Excellent communicator, including facilitation, verbal, and written skills.
• Ability to provide service status and maintain a high level of communication.

Education and Certification Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business or a related field.