Proposal Engineer – Pricing & Cost

    Position Summary The Proposal Engineer – Pricing & Cost is responsible for developing technically sound and commercially competitive machine tool proposals by integrating engineering analysis with cost estimating and pricing strategy. This role serves as a key interface between Sales, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Management, supporting both standard and engineered‑to‑order (ETO) solutions. The position plays a critical role in ensuring proposals are accurate, profitable, and aligned with market conditions, customer requirements, and corporate objectives. The role supports domestic and international business activities within Gleason’s global machine tool organization. Essential Job Responsibilities Proposal Engineering Interpret customer requirements and technical specifications for standard and non‑standard machine tool solutions. Facilitate cross‑functional proposal reviews involving Sales, Product Engineering, Application Engineering, Assembly, Runoff, Tooling, and Customer Support. Lead high‑order specification reviews with emphasis on conceptual engineering feasibility and implementation. Provide technical background and cost justification during proposal reviews and TRM sessions. Support the transition from proposal to order execution, engineering, production, and customer acceptance. Cost Estimating & Pricing Develop and validate cost estimates for machines, options, engineered‑to‑order (ETO) solutions, automation, and customer specials. Analyze cost structures, pricing, and contribution margins for machine products and options. Establish market‑aligned pricing consistent with margin objectives and competitive positioning. Perform annual and ad‑hoc price adjustments for assigned product lines. Provide cost estimates during conceptual design to support engineering decision‑making. Commercial & Business Support Support sales negotiations through pricing analysis, scenario modeling, and preparation for management reviews. Review and critique machine orders for technical, commercial, or financial risk. Address commercial topics including non‑standard payment terms, leasing programs, transfer pricing, foreign exchange considerations, and cancellation terms. Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Legal on special pricing arrangements, contracts, and confidentiality agreements. Maintain awareness of global market conditions, competition, and international business considerations. Supervisory Responsibilities None. Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) Strong engineering foundation with the ability to evaluate machine designs, options, and technical trade‑offs. Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, pricing, and commercial analysis for capital equipment. Experience working in an international business environment. Strong business acumen related to industrial capital goods, contracts, INCOTERMS, and financial analysis. Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, customers, and all levels of management. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment. Preferred Education / Training / Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Controls, or related discipline) required. Master’s degree or combination of engineering and business/finance education preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in proposal engineering, pricing, cost analysis, or technical sales within industrial manufacturing or capital equipment. Experience in machine tools, automation, or engineered industrial products preferred. Computer Skills Microsoft Office (advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Outlook and Internet-based applications SAP modules related to sales, pricing, costing, material masters, and bills of material PowerBI or similar data analysis/visualization tools preferred Proposal or project management software a plus Travel Requirements Up to approximately 5%, domestic and international.