Job Description

? Confidential Opening -- Proposal Engineer (Manufacturing / Machine Build)
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Salary: $80,000-$90,000
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing / Custom Machinery / Automation
A highly respected global manufacturer of advanced industrial machinery is seeking a sharp, detail-driven Proposal Engineer to join their technical team. This mid-level opportunity offers the perfect blend of engineering, estimating, quoting, customer interaction, and cross-department collaboration--ideal for candidates who enjoy both technical problem-solving and business-facing work.
This role is confidential due to an internal replacement and is a strong fit for professionals with backgrounds as:
Proposal Engineer
Applications Engineer
Estimating Engineer
Sales Engineer (Technical)
Project Engineer (with quoting experience)
Mechanical Designer with RFQ/quoting exposure
Manufacturing Engineer with customer-facing responsibilities
? Why This Role Is Exciting
Work on custom high-precision machinery used worldwide
Be the key connection between engineering, sales, and customers
Own the process of building proposals, costing, and RFQ responses
Mid-level tier role -- great for someone ready to grow without managing people
Join a team known for innovation, long-term stability, and cutting-edge technology
? Key Responsibilities
Analyze customer RFQs, specifications, and requirements to develop accurate and competitive proposals
Create cost estimates, BOMs, labor hour forecasts, and commercial documentation
Collaborate closely with engineering, project management, and senior leadership to structure proposals
Support the sales team by translating technical concepts into clear proposal content
Develop technical scope statements and conceptual layouts when needed
Ensure proposals reflect accurate engineering feasibility, manufacturability, and customer expectations
Present proposals internally and support follow-up discussions with customers
Maintain costing databases and continuously improve estimate accuracy
? Skills & Experience Needed
3-7+ years of experience in Proposal Engineering, Applications, Estimating, Manufacturing Engineering, or technical sales
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, automation, machine build, or industrial equipment
Ability to read technical drawings and interpret customer specs
Skilled in cost estimating, quoting, and building structured proposals
Excellent communication skills -- able to bridge engineering and customer-facing teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CAD or ERP systems is a plus
Strong attention to detail with a process-driven mindset
? What Makes This Company Stand Out
Industry leader in precision machinery and engineered solutions
Clean, modern facility located centrally in Farmington Hills
Supportive leadership team with strong mentorship
Stable customer base and consistent project pipeline
Competitive compensation and long-term career path
? How to Apply
If you're a Proposal Engineer -- or an Applications/Estimating/Sales Engineer looking for a role with more ownership -- this opportunity offers a strong career path within a world-class company.
Submit your resume confidentially.

Skills Required