Business Development Engineer

Rock West Composites

$75K — $100K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
  • 2-3 years of experience in engineering, estimating, or business development support
  • Strong understanding of cost estimating and manufacturing processes
  • Experience in a cross-functional manufacturing environment
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

  • Review and validate manufacturing cost estimates
  • Translate engineering requirements into cost and schedule estimates
  • Support estimators in obtaining supplier quotations and lead times
  • Develop cost and schedule models using historical data
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create proposals
  • Maintain tracking of customer opportunities and proposals
  • Support customer relationship development and feedback collection

Benefits

  • 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
  • Annual Bonus
  • 401K - 5% match
  • Employee Stocks Option Program
  • 9/80 work schedule
  • 8 paid Holidays
  • PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
  • $2,500 tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer.

This position is located in San Diego, Ca and reports to our VP of Space Structures.

Position Summary:

The Business Development Engineer supports new business growth through technical proposal development, cost estimation oversight, and cross-functional collaboration.

Essential Functions:

Cost Estimating & Analysis
  • Review and validate cost estimates, ensuring alignment with manufacturing methods and pricing strategy
  • Ensure cost build-ups include all key inputs such as materials, tooling, labor, and project complexity
  • Translate project scope and engineering requirements into accurate cost and schedule estimates, including capital expenditures as needed
  • Support estimators in obtaining supplier quotations and lead times for materials, tooling, and components
  • Develop and maintain cost and schedule models, including cost curve analysis based on historical data
  • Establish and support cost tracking processes to monitor project profitability and improve pricing strategies

Proposal & Business Development Support
  • Support RFQ/RFP responses and proposal development activities
  • Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of customer opportunities and proposals
  • Assist with opportunity qualification, planning, scheduling, and budgeting
  • Follow up on inbound leads and support early-stage customer engagement

Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to develop competitive and executable proposals
  • Coordinate with suppliers to obtain pricing, lead times, and technical input
  • Act as a liaison between internal teams to ensure alignment on scope, cost, and delivery expectations

Customer & Market Support
  • Support development of relationships with customers, prospects, and suppliers
  • Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and trade shows as needed
  • Provide internal feedback on customer requirements, market trends, and competitive insights
  • Support the transition of opportunities from concept through production readiness


Non-Essential Functions:

Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
  • 2-3 years of experience in engineering, estimating, manufacturing, or business development support
  • Strong understanding of cost estimating and manufacturing processes
  • Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing environment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


Perks and Benefits:
  • 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
  • Annual Bonus
  • 401K - 5% match
  • Employee Stocks Option Program
  • 9/80 work schedule
  • 8- paid Holidays
  • PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
  • $2,500 tuition reimbursement


Compensation:

The compensation range for this position falls within $75,000 and $100,000. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

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