Automation & Controls Proposal Engineer

PACIV

$70K — $95K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field
  • 3+ years of experience in automation, controls, instrumentation, validation, project engineering, or proposal development
  • Familiarity with reviewing technical specifications and engineering documentation
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Develop cost estimates for automation and controls projects
  • Review RFPs, Statements of Work, and engineering documentation
  • Collaborate with engineering and project management teams to devise technical solutions
  • Engage with vendors and suppliers for project pricing
  • Support business development by identifying project opportunities
  • Align customer needs with technical resources and capabilities
  • Build and maintain client relationships

Benefits

  • 90% employer-paid healthcare premiums
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting
  • Health Savings Account with employer contributions
  • Generous PTO and company-recognized holidays
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities
Full Job Description
Automation & Controls Proposal Engineer
Location: Indianapolis, IN

We are looking for an Automation & Controls Proposal Engineer to join our Indianapolis, In team supporting the development of industrial automation, controls, instrumentation, and validation projects across manufacturing and regulated industries.

This position is ideal for an engineer or technical professional who wants to leverage their automation, controls, instrumentation, or validation expertise while influencing projects before execution. You will collaborate with clients and engineering teams to develop technical solutions, project estimates, and winning proposals for complex industrial projects.

Position Snapshot
Our Automation & Controls Proposal Engineer blends technical estimating, solution development, and business development, giving you the opportunity to influence project strategy, support client growth initiatives, and help shape complex automation projects before execution.

What You Will Do
  • Develop cost estimates for automation, controls, instrumentation, and validation projects
  • Review RFPs, Statements of Work (SOWs), specifications, and engineering documentation
  • Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and operations leaders to develop technical solutions and project proposals
  • Work with vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers to obtain project pricing
  • Support business development efforts by identifying and qualifying project opportunities
  • Help align customer opportunities with available technical resources and workforce capabilities
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships
  • Support projects across industrial automation, process automation, manufacturing, life sciences, instrumentation, and CQV environments
  • Participate in client meetings, networking events, and industry conferences


What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field
  • 3+ years of experience in automation, controls, instrumentation, validation (CQV), project engineering, proposal development, estimating, technical sales support, or related technical roles.
  • Ability to review technical specifications, scopes of work, and engineering documentation
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ideal Background
Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Industrial automation, controls engineering, instrumentation, or validation (CQV)
  • Manufacturing, process automation, or engineering services environments
  • Technical proposal development, project estimating, or client-facing engineering support


Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • 90% employer-paid healthcare premiums
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions
  • Generous PTO and company-recognized holidays
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities


Additional Information
  • Full-time, direct-hire position
  • No C2C or 1099 arrangements
  • Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States. PACIV cannot sponsor new employment visas but welcomes H-1B transfer candidates.
  • PACIV does not partner with external recruiting agencies
#LI-DN

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at PACIV

More Technical Services Jobs

Find similar Automation & Controls Proposal Engineer jobs: