Manager of Applications and Estimating

XpanseHR, Inc

$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7-10 years of experience in Applications Engineering, Estimating, Project Engineering, Technical Sales, or related fields.
  • Knowledge of engineered-to-order manufacturing, custom machinery, automation, or packaging systems.
  • Proven leadership experience, particularly in mentoring technical teams.
  • Demonstrated capability in customer-focused engineered solutions development.
  • Strong skills in estimating, proposal development, and commercial decision-making.
  • Excellent communication skills with a focus on relationship-building.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop the Applications & Estimating team.
  • Partner with customers to identify challenges and propose engineering solutions.
  • Prepare and oversee technical proposals and project estimates.
  • Assess technical and commercial risks prior to project execution.
  • Collaborate with teams across Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management to devise profitable solutions.
  • Drive improvements in estimating accuracy and proposal quality.
  • Support complex applications engineering as needed.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with flexibility.
  • Opportunity to influence key customer solutions and company strategy.
  • Engagement in diverse engineering projects.
  • Professional development through team leadership and mentoring.
  • Exposure to various industries requiring engineered solutions.
Full Job Description
Manager of Applications & Estimating

Greater Philadelphia Area | Hybrid
Lead the Technical Strategy Behind Complex Engineered Solutions

Are you passionate about solving complex engineering challenges while working directly with customers to develop innovative solutions?

We are seeking a Manager of Applications & Estimating to lead a critical customer-facing function within a growing engineered-to-order (ETO) manufacturing organization. This role sits at the intersection of Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management, helping shape technical solutions that drive revenue, profitability, and successful project execution.

This is more than a leadership role-it's an opportunity to influence how customer opportunities are evaluated, engineered, and delivered from concept through proposal.
What You'll Do

As Manager of Applications & Estimating, you'll lead a team responsible for developing customized engineered solutions while remaining hands-on with strategic opportunities.

You'll:
  • Lead and develop the Applications & Estimating team.
  • Partner directly with customers to understand operational challenges and develop engineered solutions.
  • Prepare and oversee technical proposals, quotations, and project estimates.
  • Evaluate technical and commercial risk before projects move into execution.
  • Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management to deliver practical, profitable solutions.
  • Drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy, proposal quality, and departmental performance.
  • Personally support complex applications engineering opportunities as business needs require.
What We're Looking For

We're seeking a technical leader who combines engineering expertise with commercial insight.

Qualified candidates will have:
  • 7-10 years of experience in Applications Engineering, Estimating, Project Engineering, Technical Sales, or a related technical leadership role.
  • Experience within engineered-to-order manufacturing, custom machinery, automation, packaging systems, material handling, or process equipment.
  • Experience leading or mentoring technical teams.
  • A proven ability to develop customer-focused engineered solutions.
  • Strong estimating, proposal development, and commercial decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
Preferred Experience

Experience supporting sanitary or highly regulated manufacturing environments is highly valued, including:
  • Wash-down equipment
  • Food or beverage processing
  • Packaging automation
  • Hygienic process equipment
  • Other engineered systems requiring sanitary design principles

Candidates from other engineered-to-order industries with strong applications engineering experience are also encouraged to apply.
Location

Greater Philadelphia Area (Hybrid)

Periodic travel to customer sites and manufacturing facilities throughout North America is expected.
Ready to Learn More?

If you're an engineering leader who enjoys solving complex customer challenges, building high-performing teams, and delivering practical engineered solutions, we'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Apply today for a confidential conversation.

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