Proposal Engineer | Methods Machine Tools

Methods Machine Tools, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 92,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Education assistance

401(k) plan

Career growth

Job summary

Methods Machine Tools in Sudbury, MA (remote/unassigned) seeks a skilled Proposal Engineer to craft automation proposals for Fanuc robotics, CNC machines, and material handling. You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, robot programming and system build teams to define scope, cost budgets, and margins.

The role emphasizes technical writing, ROI analysis, and clear communication with customers. Travel up to 25% may be required; salary reflects market compensation for a performance‑driven

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of related experience required.
• Experience with cost estimates and project budgets.
• Knowledge of machine tending automation and system design preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cost estimating and proposal development with design teams.
• Prepare technical and commercial proposals, including scope, assumptions and ROI.
• Provide technical sales support and ROI analyses.
• Project handoff and continuous improvement, transferring details to engineering.
• Track proposal win rates and maintain templates.

Skills

Robotic automation systems

CNC machining

CAD software

Industrial controls & sensors

Tools

CAD platforms/layout

ERP/CRM systems

Cost estimating software

Job description

Methods Machine Tools 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, seven technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed in excess of 45,000 machines throughout North America.

We currently have the following career opportunity available that is a remote/unassigned position.

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.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid time off, Education Assistance, 401(k) Plan, and great opportunity for career growth.

Key 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.
• 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
• Assumptions and exclusions
• 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.

Qualifications and Experience:

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.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• 3-5 years of related experience required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Yes

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 25% travel

Physical Requirements:

• FAbility 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.

Salary Description

• $91,813.07 – $123,437.11 per year

The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, and may exceed the posted range for highly qualified candidates.

Additional Information

This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required to perform the essential functions of the job. In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.

Methods Machine Tools 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.

Start your journey to a new and exciting career at Methods.