Proposal Engineer
Machine Tools – Technical Focus

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly technical Proposal Engineer to support engineered solution development within a manufacturing and industrial equipment environment. This role serves as the critical connection between Engineering, Sales, Estimating, and Production teams by translating customer application requirements into technically sound, competitive proposals.

The ideal candidate brings strong machine tool or industrial equipment experience, analytical problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both internal stakeholders and customers.

Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel Requirements: Travel to customer sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and define technical requirements for customer projects in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Analyze customer applications and operating conditions to develop optimized machine tool solutions.
• Evaluate technical feasibility, operational risks, and performance expectations of proposed systems.
• Provide technical problem-solving and engineered solution development tailored to customer requirements.
• Define project scope, assumptions, and technical configurations to establish estimating cost basis.
• Collaborate closely with estimating teams to align technical scope with project costing structure.
• Support cost analysis activities by identifying key cost drivers, materials, and manufacturing requirements.
• Contribute to investment evaluations and cost-benefit analysis for engineered solutions.
• Prepare detailed customer proposals including technical specifications and commercial content.
• Ensure proposals clearly communicate system capabilities, operational performance, and customer value.
• Develop preliminary build specifications and technical configurations for internal project alignment.
• Support sales teams by explaining technical proposal content and engineered solutions.
• Participate in customer discussions to clarify technical requirements and present proposed systems.
• Provide ongoing technical support during the proposal phase, including revisions and customer inquiries.
• Translate customer requirements into internal technical documentation and engineering direction.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Estimating, Production, and Technical Office teams throughout proposal development.
• Ensure proposed solutions align with manufacturing capabilities and operational constraints.
• Perform technical and cost analysis to improve proposal accuracy, competitiveness, and execution readiness.
• Identify opportunities for standardization and reuse of proven engineering solutions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to proposal tools, processes, and documentation.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience supporting machine tools, CNC equipment, industrial machinery, or manufacturing operations.
• Strong engineering background with hands-on technical understanding of industrial equipment systems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and customer requirements.
• Experience developing technical proposals, engineered solutions, or application-based system recommendations.
• Strong analytical thinking and technical problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred but not required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with CNC systems, automation technologies, or custom machine builds.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and engineering documentation practices.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, and testing.
• Exposure to cost estimation, investment analysis, or financial evaluation within engineering projects.
• Ability to balance technical requirements with commercial and cost considerations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $70,000 – $90,000

About Lean Synergy
Lean Synergy Solutions is a Veteran-owned and operated recruiting firm that specializes in aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across a variety of industries. Our team, consisting of military veterans and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. Focused on placing skilled professionals in key roles, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities in government, public, and private sector positions.