Contract to direct. Primary Responsibilities Estimator/Proposal Engineer: * The Estimator/Proposal Engineer is Responsible for working directly with the VP of Operations, Senior Estimator, Process Engineers, Sales and Project Managers to manage the RFQ / Proposal In a manner that meets the customer requirements (cost, timing, quality), maximizes our company objectives (cost, margin, quality) while delivering overall satisfaction to both the Customer and our Stakeholders. * Developing detailed quotations in regard to Capital Equipment and Manufacturing Tooling used in the fabrication and assembly of automotive components. Analyze RFQ / Project Scope requirements and coordinate them with our Process Engineering team. * Define or assist in defining manufacturing process steps and sequences of operations. * Construct cost estimates of material and manufacturing costs by reviewing functional information, engineering drawings and customer specifications. * Coordinate project controls requirements with Controls Engineering Staff (System, PLC, Pipe & Wire) and integrate associated costs into the proposal cost and summary sheets. * Solicit competitive sources (or assist Purchasing) if required for; Purchased Capital Equipment, raw materials and outside services. * Assist in the preparation of proposals / sales presentations that explain; proposed process / system, project and end-user requirements. * Perform other tasks as required and assigned by Management (Customer meetings, Project line-ups, End-User Plant Visits etc.). Education/Skills/Experience Estimator/Proposal Engineer: * 5-7+ years of cost estimator/proposal engineer experience in automotive preferred. * Experience with Control and Mechanical estimation/proposal experience highly desired. * Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of manufacturing processes (Robotic, Fixtures, Cells, General Capital) and latest technologies used within the processes. * Metal stamping, assembly experience preferred (Automotive) * Ability to read Blueprints (Product / Machine Detail / Machine Layouts / Facility) * Ability to comprehend customer requirements from specifications / RFQ's and integrates each into competitive project estimates and detailed proposals. * Experience or background in Project / Program management and a comprehensive understanding of Project Management tools and procedures as they relate to the development of (Design/Build/Install) manufacturing systems. * Engineering Change / Cost Change Experience, ability to effectively negotiate with customers. Sense of urgency and attention to detail. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with customers and suppliers in a professional manner. * Demonstrated detail orientation, judgment and problem-solving skills. * Ability to work independently and successfully complete proposals with minimal oversight required * Bachelor's degree (Engineering or Business) or equivalent experience highly desired. * MS Office: Computer Proficiency with standard software packages, including Word, Power Point, Project, Outlook and Excel. * Must have the ability to create formal proposal documents that are presentable to our customers (Word Documents, PowerPoint, Project etc.). * Ability to create and / or use costing templates (Excel) and provide; Detail summaries (Total Cost- Labor/Material/Outside Services), what-if scenarios in relation to overall Project Margin (using Direct O/H, Variable Cost & Profit Drivers). * Must have the ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects / proposals and coordinate customer directed quote timelines to ensure timely completion with minimal supervision.