Senior Proposal Engineer: Automation & Estimating

Lincoln Electric; Utica (MI); On-site; USD 96,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln Electric, a global leader in welding and automation, is seeking a Senior Proposal Engineer via Fori Automation to lead the development of manufacturing concepts and costed proposals. This role focuses on turning early-stage ideas into fully engineered solutions for customers on the shop floor.

The successful candidate will analyze RFQs, collaborate across engineering, sales, and manufacturing, and manage multiple proposals while staying aware of industry innovations and cost efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or 10+ years of equivalent engineering/proposal experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Engineering, Proposals, and Estimating within an industrial, automation, or manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead proposal efforts from concept to final submission.
• Working knowledge of Mechanical and Controls Engineering concepts.
• Demonstrated success developing conceptual designs, estimates, and proposals for manufacturing customers.
• Strong communication skills with a collaborative, team oriented approach.
• Strong background in Engineering and Assembly System Design, with preferred experience in AutoCAD, SolidWorks or similar design software.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and highly automated systems, preferred.
• Strong understanding of controls hardware and related technologies, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Customer RFQs & Specifications: Evaluate incoming RFQs, technical requirements, and customer specifications to determine alignment with Fori’s capabilities and product offerings.
• Develop Costed Proposals & Concepts: Create detailed time studies, conceptual layouts, cost estimates, and engineering proposals for assigned RFQs and engineering changes.
• Justify Technical & Financial Solutions: Document proposed processes and cost structures using vendor quotations or internal cost analyses.
• Customer & Internal Collaboration: Participate in customer line-up meetings and internal design reviews to ensure alignment on expectations, feasibility, and scope.
• Cross-Functional Problem Solving: Partner with engineering, sales, manufacturing, and project management teams to develop innovative, cost effective solutions within assigned budget constraints.
• Project & Task Management: Manage multiple active proposals and tasks simultaneously, meeting all deadlines and deliverable requirements. Industry & Technology Awareness: Stay informed about emerging automation solutions, industry advancements, and vendor innovations to enhance proposal quality and competitiveness.
• Support Sales & Marketing Efforts: Attend sales meetings, marketing presentations, and internal training sessions as needed.

Skills

Proposal leadership

Engineering concepts

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

RFQ analysis

Cost estimation

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

10+ years equivalent engineering/proposal experience

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Lincoln Electric, a global leader in welding and automation, is seeking a Senior Proposal Engineer via Fori Automation to lead the development of manufacturing concepts and costed proposals. This role focuses on turning early-stage ideas into fully engineered solutions for customers on the shop floor.

The successful candidate will analyze RFQs, collaborate across engineering, sales, and manufacturing, and manage multiple proposals while staying aware of industry innovations and cost efficiencies.