Cost Estimating Manager - Automation

Atlas Copco; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company matching

Work-life balance

Family leave

Wellness programs

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Atlas Copco in Michigan seeks an Automation Proposal Manager to lead end-to-end development of technical and commercial proposals for automated fastening solutions. You will translate customer requirements into cost-effective, manufacturable solutions and collaborate with engineering, sales, and operations across ITBA to ensure proposal success.

The role focuses on concept development, process engineering, and solution definition for complex manufacturing stations, with travel up to 20% to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in automated assembly systems, industrial automation, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong background in fastening technologies, including torque-controlled tightening applications.
• Experience in applications engineering, proposal development, process engineering, or related technical customer support functions.
• Automotive and/or high-volume manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and commercial teams.
• Ability to investigate, develop, and quote custom automated fastening solutions based on customer requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% to support sales activities and better understand customer manufacturing processes to ensure optimal solution development.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of technical and commercial proposals for automated fastening solutions.
• Translate customer requirements into innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, manufacturing, supply chain, and service on proposed solution.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for equipment, tooling, and integration.
• Support pricing strategies in collaboration with sales and leadership.
• Lead or support customer technical reviews and proposal presentations.
• Clarify specifications and drive resolution on open technical items.
• Prepare technical automation proposals with clear scope, features, and value proposition.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Process engineering

Proposal development

Automation experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Your role

At Atlas Copco, we value your work and who you are. As a global technology leader with over 150 years of innovation, we’re committed to making a positive impact on industries and communities. Join a team where dedication, creativity, and growth drive everything we do.

Are Your Our Next Automation Proposal Manager?

As the Automation Proposal Manager, you will be responsible for leading the end-to-end development of technical and commercial proposals for automated fastening solutions. This role combines engineering expertise with strategic proposal management, focusing on concept development, process engineering, and solution definition for complex manufacturing stations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automated assembly systems—especially fastening applications—and the ability to translate customer requirements into innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Support automotive (MVI) and general industry (GI) business lines and customers with the automation quoting process for our Industrial Technique Business Area (ITBA)
• Lead the full proposal lifecycle from RFQ review through submission and customer follow-up
• Work closely with Sales and the customer to gather requirements for proposal development of Atlas Copco automated fastening solutions
• Support Sales on customer visits to evaluate opportunities and gather necessary information to support creation of proposal according to customer scope and requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering (mechanical & controls), sales, manufacturing, supply chain, and service on proposed solution and requirements
• Cycle time calculations and line balancing
• Content selection (nut runners, feeding systems, vision systems, etc.)
• Error-proofing (poka-yoke), traceability, and quality control strategies
• Define process sequences and automation logic at a conceptual level
• Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies as part of overall concept
• Develop accurate cost estimates for equipment, tooling, and integration
• Analyze cost drivers and propose cost-optimized solutions
• Support pricing strategies in collaboration with sales and leadership
• Lead or support customer technical reviews and proposal presentations
• Clarify specifications, assumptions, and drive resolution on any open technical items
• Prepare technical automation proposals using easy to understand language & schematics to clearly define our scope, solution features and overall value proposition. Ensure proposals are clear, accurate, and aligned with customer expectations
• Build strong relationships with customers through technical credibility and responsiveness

To succeed, you will need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience gained through relevant work experience
• 5+ years of experience in automated assembly systems, industrial automation, or related manufacturing environments preferred
• Strong background in fastening technologies, including torque-controlled tightening applications
• Experience in applications engineering, proposal development, process engineering, or related technical customer support functions
• Automotive and/or high-volume manufacturing experience preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and commercial teams
• Ability to investigate, develop, and quote custom automated fastening solutions based on customer requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% to support sales activities and better understand customer manufacturing processes to ensure optimal solution development

In return, we offer

At Atlas Copco, We Know That Work Is More Than Just a Job. Here’s What We Offer To Keep You Happy, Healthy, And Inspired

• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth, training, and career advancement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, and more.
• Financial Security: 401(k) with a baseline company contribution and matching opportunities starting at 6%, increasing further with tenure.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, a comprehensive holiday package, and flexible scheduling options where available to support your well-being.
• Family Support: Paid Maternity & Parental Leave.
• Wellness Perks: Gym, Education, and Health Reimbursements.
• Rewarding Culture: An inclusive environment that celebrates innovation, teamwork, and diversity.

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to: [e-mail] or call 973-397-3400. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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