Mechanical Proposal & Estimating Engineer

Mechanical Proposal & Estimating Engineer

Location: Greer, South Carolina
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Proposal & Estimating Engineer to develop technical concepts, cost estimates, and complete proposal packages for industrial manufacturing projects.

This position will review customer Requests for Quotation (RFQs), drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop technically sound and commercially competitive solutions. The Engineer will collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Procurement, suppliers, and Project Management throughout the proposal process and support a smooth project handoff following contract award.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development

• Review customer RFQs, technical specifications, drawings, layouts, and tender documents.
• Analyze project scope, technical requirements, commercial expectations, and potential risks.
• Develop complete technical and commercial proposal packages.
• Define project assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and execution strategies.
• Participate in internal proposal reviews and customer presentations.
• Ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, complete, and submitted on schedule.
• Manage multiple proposal activities and deadlines simultaneously.

Estimating and Cost Analysis

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for industrial equipment and turnkey projects.
• Develop preliminary Bills of Materials and equipment lists.
• Estimate engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and start-up labor hours.
• Prepare material take-offs and equipment quantity calculations.
• Request, review, and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Identify potential cost reductions and value-engineering opportunities.
• Assist with pricing strategies and commercial proposal development.

Engineering Support

• Develop preliminary equipment layouts, mechanical concepts, and process solutions.
• Perform mechanical calculations and preliminary equipment sizing.
• Review customer layouts, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate proposal requirements with Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Process Engineering teams.
• Confirm that proposed solutions meet customer specifications and project requirements.
• Support the technical and commercial handoff to Project Management and Engineering after contract award.

Supplier and Customer Coordination

• Prepare requests for supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Coordinate technical discussions with equipment manufacturers and vendors.
• Evaluate supplier proposals for technical compliance, pricing, and scope coverage.
• Respond to customer questions and requests for clarification during the proposal stage.
• Support customer meetings, technical presentations, and proposal reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least five years of experience in proposal engineering, estimating, applications engineering, industrial project engineering, or a related position.
• Experience developing both technical and commercial proposals.
• Strong knowledge of industrial manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, equipment layouts, specifications, and project documentation.
• Ability to develop project cost estimates, Bills of Materials, material take-offs, and labor-hour estimates.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong technical writing and proposal-development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals while meeting customer and internal deadlines.

Preferred Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Pretreatment systems
• Powder-coating systems
• Wet-paint systems
• Industrial ovens and curing systems
• Conveyor and material-handling systems
• Air-handling and ventilation systems
• Industrial process piping
• Environmental systems
• Automotive manufacturing facilities
• Turnkey industrial projects

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD and 3D design or drawing software
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Microsoft Project experience preferred