Proposal Engineer

Methods Machine Tools, Inc.; Sudbury (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent compensation

Medical / 401(k) / Vacation

Sick / Holiday Pay / Tuition Assist

Job summary

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. is seeking a Proposal Engineer for its Methods Automation – Sales/Application Engineering team.

You will develop automation proposals featuring FANUC Robotics, CNC machines, and material handling systems, working with mechanical and electrical design, robot programming, and system build teams. The ideal candidate has experience in cost estimation, technical writing, and delivering clearly defined, well-documented proposals.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in mechanical engineering technology required; bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred.
• 3–5 years of related experience required.

Responsibilities

• Develop real world viable solutions with mechanical & electrical design teams, robot programming and system build teams.
• Design automation solutions from a conceptual perspective for the machine tending automation sector.
• Approach all solutions with a holistic mindset to ensure proposals are well defined and properly allocated.
• Develop detailed capital equipment cost estimates.
• Analyze labor, materials, controls, robotics, tooling, and installation costs.
• Solicit and evaluate quotations from suppliers and strategic partners.
• Maintain proposal margins consistent with company objectives.
• Review customer requests for quotes and specifications to drive risk mitigation and compliance.
• Attend closed order analysis and postmortem meetings to ensure proposed content and allocations are accurate.

Skills

Robotic automation

CNC machining

Automation concepts

CAD software

Industrial controls

Material handling

Cycle time analysis

Cost estimates

Education

Associate degree in mechanical engineering technology

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred)

Tools

Excel

ERP/CRM systems

Cost estimating software

Quotation tools

CAD platforms

Job description

Job Title: Proposal Engineer

Department: Methods Automation – Sales/Application Engineering

Location: Open

About Methods

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. supplies high-quality, high-precision machine tools and automation solutions, and designs integrated custom machining processes and systems. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958, Methods provides an end-to-end portfolio of best-in-class products, engineering, service, parts, training, and integration.

Methods has more than 300 employees, nine technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed in excess of 45,000 machines throughout North America.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Proposal Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the creation of automation proposals with systems using FANUC Robotics, CNC machines, material handling and feeding solutions, parts cleaning, post process inspection and other automation components.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create clearly defined, detailed and documented proposals and cost budgets utilizing systems and calculators. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of mechanical systems with strong abilities in scope review, technical writing and attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exciting engineering projects and make a tangible impact in a highly technical, fast paced and dynamic work environment.

Benefits

• A long history of stability and growth
• Excellent compensation
• Medical / 401(k) / Vacation / Sick / Holiday Pay/Tuition Assistance

Responsibilities

Cost Estimating and Proposal Development

• Work in a collaborative team to develop real world viable solutions in conjunction with the mechanical & electrical design teams, robot programming and system build teams.
• Design automation solutions from a conceptual perspective for the machine tending automation sector.
• Approach all solutions with a holistic mindset to ensure proposals are well defined and properly allocated.
• Develop detailed capital equipment cost estimates.
• Analyze labor, materials, controls, robotics, tooling, and installation costs.
• Solicit and evaluate quotations from suppliers and strategic partners.
• Maintain proposal margins consistent with company objectives.
• Review customer requests for quotes and specifications to drive risk mitigation and compliance.
• Ensure designs meet customer’s specifications and Methods Automation specifications.
• Attend closed order analysis and postmortem meetings to ensure proposed content and allocations are accurate.
• Be a change agent in the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Prepare Technical And Commercial Proposals, Including

• Scope of supply
• Functional descriptions
• System layouts
• Project schedules
• Assumptions and exclusions
• Pricing summaries
• Return on investment calculations

Technical Sales Support

• Support sales teams in customer meetings and presentations.
• Communicate automation concepts and technical solutions to customers.
• Prepare business cases and ROI analyses.
• Answer technical questions during the quotation process.
• Contribute to proposal and customer design reviews.

Project Handoff and Continuous Improvement

• Support project kickoffs after contract award.
• Transfer proposal details to engineering and project management teams.
• Join lessons-learned sessions to improve future proposals.
• Maintain estimating databases, costing tools, and proposal templates.
• Track proposal win rates and support process improvements.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of robotic automation systems and machine tending applications.
• Understanding of CNC machining and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to develop automation concepts and layouts.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor.
• Knowledge of industrial controls, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and safety systems.
• Understanding of material handling and end-of-arm tooling design.
• Ability to perform cycle time and throughput analyses.
• Experience developing cost estimates and project budgets.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with ERP and CRM systems.
• Familiarity with cost estimating software and quotation tools.
• Experience using CAD platforms and layout software.

Business Skills

• Strong commercial awareness and focus on profitability.
• Ability to complete ROI and payback analyses.
• Knowledge of project planning and scheduling.
• Understanding of contract terms and proposal documentation.

Travel

• Up to 25%

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to access and inspect all areas of machinery.

education and experience

• Associate degree in mechanical engineering technology required; bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred.
• 3-5 years of related experience required.

Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.