Proposal Engineer Cost Estimator

Lean Synergy Solutions; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Occasional travel opportunities

Job summary

Lean Synergy Solutions in Rockford, Illinois, is seeking a full-time Proposal Engineer / Cost Estimator to develop engineered solutions in industrial manufacturing. The successful candidate will play a vital role in bridging the gap among Sales, Engineering, and Production while optimizing costs and system designs.

This position requires a background in CNC machine tools and strong engineering analysis skills. The candidate will also engage in proposal development from the initial concept to the project handoff.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in CNC machine tools or precision manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical and commercial proposals to communicate system capabilities.
• Analyze customer requirements to develop optimized manufacturing solutions.
• Support design-to-cost initiatives through process optimization.

Skills

CNC machine tools

Manufacturing cost analysis

Engineering knowledge

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Proposal Engineer / Cost Estimator

We have an immediate opening for a full-time Proposal Engineer / Cost Estimator to support the development of engineered solutions for advanced machine tool and industrial manufacturing projects.

This role serves as the technical bridge between Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Production by transforming customer requirements into technically sound, commercially competitive proposals. The successful candidate will combine strong engineering knowledge with manufacturing cost analysis to develop accurate estimates, optimize system designs, and support proposal development from initial concept through project handoff.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in CNC machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing and enjoys solving complex technical challenges while balancing engineering performance with commercial objectives.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to customer and supplier sites as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze customer requirements and application data to develop optimized machine tool and manufacturing solutions.
• Define project scope, technical assumptions, machine configurations, and engineering requirements for proposal development.
• Develop complete technical and commercial proposals that accurately communicate system capabilities, performance expectations, and customer value.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, engineering specifications, assembly documentation, and GD&T requirements.
• Develop detailed bottom‑up cost estimates for mechanical, structural, electrical, purchased, and fabricated assemblies.
• Build and maintain multi‑level Bills of Materials (BOMs) with complete cost roll‑up structures.
• Evaluate machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes to establish accurate labor estimates and manufacturing routings.
• Perform should‑cost analysis, cost modeling, and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
• Identify key cost drivers and recommend opportunities for cost reduction, manufacturability improvements, and value engineering.
• Support design‑to‑cost initiatives through material selection, manufacturing process optimization, and component standardization.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Sourcing, and Commercial teams throughout proposal development.
• Obtain supplier quotations and evaluate pricing, lead times, manufacturing capabilities, and sourcing strategies.
• Assist Sales by providing technical support during customer meetings, proposal reviews, and solution presentations.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and provide technical cost analysis during product development.
• Validate estimated versus actual project costs and support continuous improvement initiatives to improve estimating accuracy.
• Contribute to machine platform standardization, modular product development, and proposal process improvements.
• Maintain accurate estimating databases, labor standards, costing assumptions, and engineering documentation.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience supporting CNC machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing technical proposals, engineered solutions, and manufacturing cost estimates.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and GD&T specifications.
• Experience with Bills of Materials (BOMs), ERP/MRP systems, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both engineering and commercial teams.
• Ability to balance technical performance, manufacturability, and commercial objectives while managing multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience with CNC machine tools, automation systems, or custom industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar engineering software.
• Experience supporting value engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of tooling, fixturing, manufacturing routings, and precision machining methodologies.
• Experience with investment analysis, cost modeling, and design‑for‑manufacturing principles.

Location & Travel Requirements

• Position supports industrial manufacturing and machine tool operations.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required based on project and customer needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $70,000 – $100,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package available.