Proposal Development Engineer

Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is seeking a Proposal Development Engineer to support high-quality, compliant proposals for aerospace and defense opportunities. You will collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to craft cost estimates and proposal documentation.

The role emphasizes timely, accurate proposals, baseline cost data, and clear communication of assumptions and risks, contributing to EBAD’s growth and competitive positioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related analytical field required.
• 3+ years in cost estimating, proposal development, pricing, or related roles.
• Experience in aerospace/defense or regulated industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead proposal development for simple to complex opportunities.
• Develop and manage proposal schedules with cross-functional teams.
• Gather cost inputs from Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance and PM.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Cost estimation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business or related field

Tools

ERP data

Excel-based Basis of Estimate files

Job description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Click here to learn more.

Job Description

Position Summary

EBAD is seeking a Proposal Development Engineer to support the development of high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposals across our aerospace and defense business. This role partners closely with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and business leaders to develop cost estimates, proposal schedules, Basis of Estimate files, pricing inputs, proposal letters, and supporting documentation for customer opportunities.

The Proposal Development Engineer plays a critical role in helping EBAD win and grow by ensuring proposal work is accurate, timely, well-coordinated, and aligned with customer requirements and business objectives. This position provides broad exposure across EBAD’s market segments, products, sites, and senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead proposal development efforts for simple, moderate, and complex opportunities across assigned market segments.
• Develop and manage proposal schedules, ensuring cross-functional contributors understand requirements, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Partner with Program Managers and business leaders to prepare proposals for leadership approval
• Lead effective cross-functional proposal meetings, drive action closure, and escape risks or gaps when needed.
• Gather cost inputs from Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and other functional leaders.
• Build and maintain accurate cost estimates using ERP data, Excel-based Basis of Estimate files, and other proposal tools.
• Support proposal pricing, standard margin analysis, cost roll-ups, and business case review.
• Ensure proposal assumptions, clarifications, exceptions, and value messaging are clearly communicated in proposal letters and supporting volumes.
• Support certified cost/pricing data efforts, including TINA-related proposals, as required. .
• Participate in EBOS continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen, JDI, or structured problem-solving events.
• Build strong working relationships across Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Supply Chain, Finance, and Program Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related analytical field required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in cost estimating, proposal development, pricing, program finance, project management, engineering, operations, or a related role.
• Experience in aerospace and defense, government contracting, or another regulated industry preferred.
• Familiarity with FAR / DFAR requirements and certified cost or pricing data preferred.

Experience

• Experience developing cost estimates, proposal inputs, pricing support, or Basis of Estimate files.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and Program Management.
• Experience using ERP data to support business analysis, estimating, pricing, or project decisions.
• Experience managing short-cycle projects, deadlines, action items, and stakeholder follow-up.
• Experience supporting proposals or business cases greater than ~$5M preferred.

Skills

• Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical ability with high attention to detail.
• Ability to validate cost roll-ups, identify gaps, and assess whether pricing makes sense from a broader business perspective.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead meetings, drive accountability, and keep cross-functional teams aligned.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.