The Sales Engineer - Proposals & Estimating plays a pivotal role in converting customer opportunities into well-defined technical solutions, accurate estimates, and compelling proposals. Working at the intersection of Sales, Engineering, and Operations, this role combines technical expertise with commercial awareness to evaluate project opportunities, develop solution concepts, and prepare competitive proposals that reflect Altec’s engineering, automation, and manufacturing capabilities.
This position is ideal for an engineering-minded professional who enjoys the commercial side of projects and wants to be involved early in the opportunity lifecycle. The Sales Engineer collaborates closely with customers, sales leaders, engineers, and project teams to clarify technical requirements, develop scopes of work, prepare estimates, and communicate Altec’s value through clear and persuasive proposals.
By translating complex engineering concepts into practical, customer-focused solutions, the Sales Engineer helps ensure Altec pursues the right opportunities, prices projects accurately, and positions the company to deliver successful projects from concept through commissioning.
Key responsibilities:
- Proposal Development: Create clear, accurate, and persuasive proposal content that communicates Altec’s technical solutions, capabilities, and value. Translate engineering concepts, automation processes, and equipment specifications into compelling narratives that address customer needs and align with pursuit strategies.
- RFP/RFQ Review & Compliance Management: Analyze RFP/RFQ requirements, specifications, and scope documents to ensure full compliance. Identify missing information, risks, and clarifications needed and coordinate internally to resolve them.
- Cost Estimating & Scope Development:
Prepare detailed estimates, scopes of supply, and pricing packages using engineering inputs, historical data, and internal standards. Validate assumptions with Engineering, Controls, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure accuracy and feasibility.
- Inside Sales & Opportunity Support: Support the sales team in evaluating opportunities, preparing budgetary estimates, and developing preliminary technical solutions. Assist with customer inquiries, RFQ discussions, and follow-up technical clarifications to help advance opportunities through the sales pipeline.
- Collaboration with Technical Experts:
Work closely with engineers/technologists, and project managers to gather accurate technical details and refine proposal content. Capture technical differentiators, equipment capabilities, and solution methodologies that strengthen Altec’s competitive position
- Content Library Management & Standardization: Develop, maintain, and update Altec’s repository of proposal content, technical write-ups, project references, resumes, safety narratives, and value statements. Ensure all content remains current, accurate, and aligned with engineering practices and manufacturing capabilities
- Proposal Coordination & Submission Management: Participate in proposal planning meetings, align timelines, and coordinate deliverables across internal teams. Prepare complete submission packages that meet branding, formatting, and quality requirements.
- Cross-Functional Support & Bid Handoff: Support the transition of awarded proposals to Project Management by ensuring clarity in scope, assumptions, pricing, and customer commitments. Assist with the preparation of technical content required for project kick off.
- Process Improvement & Lessons Learned: Gather feedback from completed projects, proposals, and internal teams to refine estimating approaches, enhance proposal content, and strengthen overall pursuit performance. Monitor industry trends, competitor positioning, and customer requirements to inform future bids.
- Team Collaboration & Communication: Build strong relationships with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and senior leadership to ensure proposals reflect operational capacity, timelines, and company standards. Maintain clear communication throughout the proposal lifecycle.
Requirements:
- Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in technical estimating, engineering proposals, inside sales, or sales engineering within manufacturing, automation, machinery, or engineered-to-order environments.
- Strong technical comprehension with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, machinery specifications, controls architecture, and mechanical systems.
- Ability to work closely with engineering teams to develop technical scopes, solution concepts, and estimates.
- Strong written communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, client-focused content.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Autodesk Inventor, engineering documentation, or MRP systems considered an asset.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
