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Proposal Manager
Rockford, IL, US
Engineering
High School or equivalent
Full Time, Direct Hire
$70,000 – $100,000
Experienced (Non-Manager)
On-site
Engineering Services
First Shift (Day)
Rockford, IL, US
$70,000 – $100,000
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Full Time, Direct Hire
Engineering Services
On-site
Engineering
High School or equivalent
First Shift (Day)
Job details
Proposal Manager
Onsite – Rockford, Illinois
Direct Hire
Salary: $70,000 – $100,000+ (Depending on Experience)
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites as needed
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly technical and customer-focused Proposal Engineer with experience in machine tools, CNC equipment, industrial machinery, or manufacturing systems. This role is responsible for developing engineered solutions and translating customer requirements into technically accurate, competitive proposals.
The Proposal Engineer serves as a key liaison between Engineering, Sales, and Estimating teams, ensuring all proposals are technically sound, manufacturable, and aligned with project cost targets. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, hands-on engineering knowledge, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both customers and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Requirements & Solution Development
- Identify and define technical requirements for customer projects in collaboration with engineering teams
- Analyze customer applications, production requirements, and operating conditions to develop optimized machine tool solutions
- Evaluate feasibility, technical risks, and performance expectations of proposed systems
- Provide technical problem-solving and customized engineered solutions tailored to customer needs
Cost Basis & Estimating Support
- Define project scope, assumptions, and technical configurations to establish accurate cost basis for estimating
- Collaborate closely with estimating teams to align technical scope with pricing and cost structures
- Support cost analysis by identifying major cost drivers, material requirements, and manufacturing processes
- Assist with investment analysis and cost/benefit evaluations for proposed systems
Proposal Development
- Prepare detailed technical and commercial proposals for customer projects
- Develop clear technical documentation, specifications, and solution descriptions aligned with customer requirements
- Ensure proposals accurately communicate machine capabilities, performance expectations, and overall value
- Create preliminary build specifications and system configurations to support internal project alignment
Sales & Customer Support
- Support sales teams by explaining technical aspects of proposed solutions and equipment capabilities
- Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions to clarify project requirements
- Provide ongoing technical support during the proposal phase, including revisions and customer inquiries
- Translate customer needs into actionable internal engineering documentation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Estimating, Production, and Technical Office teams
- Communicate project specifications and technical requirements clearly across departments
- Ensure proposed solutions align with manufacturing capabilities, schedules, and operational objectives
Continuous Improvement & Technical Analysis
- Perform technical and cost analysis to improve proposal accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness
- Identify opportunities for standardization, modular designs, and reuse of proven solutions
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to proposal development tools, documentation, and processes
Qualifications
- 5–10 years of experience in machine tools, CNC systems, industrial equipment, or manufacturing environments
- Strong engineering background with hands-on technical understanding
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
- Experience developing technical proposals, engineered systems, or manufacturing solutions
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred but not required
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Why Kelly® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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