Senior Proposal Engineer

Wright Technical Services; Utica (MI); On-site; USD 96,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wright Technical Services in Utica, MI, is hiring a Senior Proposal Engineer to develop innovative manufacturing and assembly automation concepts. This role will involve collaborating across teams, creating detailed estimates, and managing multiple proposals. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in engineering and proposal development, with a strong background in automation systems. This position offers a competitive salary of $96,000 to $130,000 per year and requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in engineering, proposal development, estimating, or automation system design.
• Strong experience developing conceptual manufacturing or assembly system solutions.
• Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing systems and lean manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual manufacturing and assembly automation solutions for customer applications.
• Create detailed cost estimates, engineering proposals, conceptual layouts, and time studies for assigned opportunities.
• Manage multiple active proposals simultaneously while maintaining deadlines and deliverable schedules.

Skills

Proposal development

Engineering estimation

Automation systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

Senior Proposal Engineer

Location: Shelby Township, MI

Job Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $96,000-$130,000/year

Wright Technical Services is supporting a leading global automation and manufacturing organization in their search for a Senior Proposal Engineer to join their Assembly Pre-Sales Applications team.

This role is responsible for developing manufacturing and assembly automation concepts that evolve into fully operational production systems for major industrial customers. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in automation, manufacturing systems, proposal development, and engineering estimation, along with the ability to collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver innovative and cost‑effective solutions.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys conceptual engineering, customer interaction, and helping shape complex automation systems from early‑stage RFQs through final proposal submission.

Job Description

• Review and analyze customer RFQs, technical specifications, and project requirements to determine feasibility and alignment with internal capabilities
• Develop conceptual manufacturing and assembly automation solutions for customer applications
• Create detailed cost estimates, engineering proposals, conceptual layouts, and time studies for assigned opportunities
• Support engineering change proposals and revisions throughout the quoting process
• Prepare technical and financial justifications for proposed solutions using internal cost modeling and vendor quotations
• Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, and proposal presentations as needed
• Collaborate closely with engineering, sales, manufacturing, and project management teams to ensure alignment on scope, budget, and feasibility
• Develop innovative and cost‑effective automation concepts within defined customer and project constraints
• Manage multiple active proposals simultaneously while maintaining deadlines and deliverable schedules
• Support sales and marketing efforts through technical presentations, customer engagement, and internal training activities
• Stay current on emerging automation technologies, manufacturing trends, and industry advancements to improve proposal competitiveness

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience in engineering, proposal development, estimating, or automation system design within an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Strong experience developing conceptual manufacturing or assembly system solutions
• Proven ability to lead proposal efforts from concept development through final submission
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, controls engineering concepts, and industrial automation technologies
• Experience creating project estimates, conceptual layouts, and technical proposals for manufacturing customers
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to interface directly with customers and cross‑functional teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines within a fast‑paced environment
• Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing systems and lean manufacturing environments is strongly preferred
• Understanding of controls hardware, automation equipment, and manufacturing technologies preferred

Preferred Background

Candidates with experience in the following environments or technologies may be particularly well aligned:

• Industrial automation and system integration
• Automated assembly systems
• Robotic manufacturing systems
• Automotive or heavy manufacturing environments
• Manufacturing process development
• Capital equipment proposals and estimating
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Compensation

$96,000-$130,000 per year