Proposal Engineer - Aerospace Systems

SW North America, Inc.; Lyon Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SW North America, Inc. is seeking a Proposal Engineer – Aerospace Systems to manage technical and commercial requirements for turn-key aerospace manufacturing and automation projects.

You will collaborate with customers, internal engineering teams, and global affiliates to ensure proposals meet safety, traceability, precision, and reliability standards, while developing complete RFQ responses and detailed cost data for machines, automation, tooling, and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with machine tools, manufacturing systems, or automation in aerospace.
• Experience as an Application/Manufacturing/Proposal Engineer supporting aerospace customers preferred.
• Ability to read 2D drawings, 3D models, GD&T, and aerospace specifications.
• Familiarity with AS9100, NADCAP, and customer audits.
• Fluent English; German a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, specifications, and statements of work to determine suitability for aerospace products and solutions.
• Develop complete technical responses to RFQs, including manufacturing and cycle-time studies, tool selection, and workholding concepts.
• Support Sales in preparing quotations and proposals with technical descriptions, compliance matrices, layouts, and data sheets.
• Coordinate information exchange between North American operations and global teams to leverage aerospace solutions.
• Maintain proposal documentation, risk assessments, and logs in accordance with traceability requirements.

Skills

RFQ analysis

CAD/CAM

GD&T

Aerospace standards

Proposal engineering

Education

BSc Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Microsoft Dynamics

ERP systems

Job description

The Proposal Engineer – Aerospace Systems is responsible for managing technical and commercial requirements for turn-key aerospace manufacturing and automation projects. This role supports the Sales organization by applying deep knowledge of aerospace materials, machining processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements to develop compliant, competitive, and technically sound proposals. The Proposal Engineer works closely with customers, internal engineering teams, and global affiliates to ensure solutions meet aerospace industry expectations for safety, traceability, precision, and reliability.

The Proposal Engineer performs a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Review customer RFQs, specifications, and statements of work to determine suitability of company products and solutions for aerospace applications.
• Interpret aerospace customer requirements, including applicable standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP, FAA, EASA, customer-specific flow-downs).
• Develop complete technical responses to RFQs, which may include:
• Manufacturing and cycle-time studies for aerospace components
• Machine tool selection and system configuration
• Fixture and workholding concepts designed for tight tolerances and repeatability
• Tooling and cutting strategy recommendations for aerospace materials (aluminum alloys, titanium, Inconel, composites, etc.)
• Prepare and maintain detailed cost summaries for machines, automation, tooling, fixtures, and services using Microsoft Dynamics or equivalent ERP systems.
• Support Sales Managers in preparing quotations and proposals, including technical descriptions, compliance matrices, layouts, and equipment data sheets.
• Participate in and support technical proposal presentations, design reviews, and clarification meetings with aerospace customers.
• Coordinate technical and commercial information exchange between North American operations and global engineering/manufacturing teams to leverage existing aerospace solutions and standards.
• Communicate effectively across internal departments including Engineering, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.
• Interface directly with customers, integrators, and distributors to support proposal development and technical clarification.
• Maintain proposal documentation, assumptions, and risk assessments in company document control systems in accordance with aerospace traceability expectations.
• Update quote logs and proposal tracking tools to ensure accuracy and visibility.
• Upon order receipt, support and/or schedule project kick-off meetings to formally transfer scope, risks, and assumptions to the Program/Project Manager.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the proposal engineering function, including standardization of aerospace solutions and best practices.
• Manage and prioritize multiple proposals and projects simultaneously while meeting aggressive customer deadlines.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required for customer meetings, project support, audits, and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience with machine tools, manufacturing systems, or automation, preferably serving the aerospace industry.
• Prior experience as an Application Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Proposal Engineer supporting aerospace customers is strongly preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret 2D drawings, 3D models, GD&T, and aerospace specifications.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM systems such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems and regulatory requirements (AS9100, NADCAP, customer audits).
• Understanding of machining processes for aerospace materials and high-precision components.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including customer-facing presentations.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently and work effectively under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and ERP/CRM systems.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• German language skills are a plus but not required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primary work environment is a professional office setting.
• Requires the ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Occasional travel to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and training locations.

Classification & Compensation

• Full-time, permanent, exempt position.
• Compensation is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications, and aligned with company compensation policies.