Senior Proposal Engineer; Processing & Estimating

Summary

Fori Automation, a Lincoln Electric Company, is a global leader in designing and integrating automated assembly, welding, material handling, and testing systems. We deliver world-class automation solutions to leading manufacturers worldwide.

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Proposal Engineer to join our Assembly Pre-Sales Applications team. In this key technical role, you will lead the creation of manufacturing and assembly concepts that ultimately become full-scale, operational systems. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys conceptual development, and wants to see their early-stage ideas evolve into finished products on the manufacturing floor. 

At Lincoln Electric, we invest in our people. In addition to competitive pay, we offer an annual bonus plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and many other outstanding benefits. 

Primary Duties & 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.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline preferred)
• Minimum 10 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
• Strong background in Engineering and Assembly System Design (preferred)
• 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
• Experience with lean manufacturing and highly automated systems (a significant plus)
• Strong understanding of controls hardware and related technologies (preferred)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands:  While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.   Repetition with activity; computer work. 
• Work environment:  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Lincoln Electric Company is a government contractor that complies with the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and requests priority referrals for protected veterans for our job openings.