Position Summary

The Proposal Engineer - Pricing & Cost is responsible for developing technically sound and commercially competitive machine tool proposals by integrating engineering analysis with cost estimating and pricing strategy. This role serves as a key interface between Sales, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Management, supporting both standard and engineered-to-order (ETO) solutions.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring proposals are accurate, profitable, and aligned with market conditions, customer requirements, and corporate objectives. The role supports domestic and international business activities within Gleason's global machine tool organization.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Proposal Engineering

• Interpret customer requirements and technical specifications for standard and non-standard machine tool solutions.
• Facilitate cross-functional proposal reviews involving Sales, Product Engineering, Application Engineering, Assembly, Runoff, Tooling, and Customer Support.
• Lead high-order specification reviews with emphasis on conceptual engineering feasibility and implementation.
• Provide technical background and cost justification during proposal reviews and TRM sessions.
• Support the transition from proposal to order execution, engineering, production, and customer acceptance.

Cost Estimating & Pricing

• Develop and validate cost estimates for machines, options, engineered-to-order (ETO) solutions, automation, and customer specials.
• Analyze cost structures, pricing, and contribution margins for machine products and options.
• Establish market-aligned pricing consistent with margin objectives and competitive positioning.
• Perform annual and ad-hoc price adjustments for assigned product lines.
• Provide cost estimates during conceptual design to support engineering decision-making.

Commercial & Business Support

• Support sales negotiations through pricing analysis, scenario modeling, and preparation for management reviews.
• Review and critique machine orders for technical, commercial, or financial risk.
• Address commercial topics including non-standard payment terms, leasing programs, transfer pricing, foreign exchange considerations, and cancellation terms.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Legal on special pricing arrangements, contracts, and confidentiality agreements.
• Maintain awareness of global market conditions, competition, and international business considerations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Strong engineering foundation with the ability to evaluate machine designs, options, and technical trade-offs.
• Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, pricing, and commercial analysis for capital equipment.
• Experience working in an international business environment.
• Strong business acumen related to industrial capital goods, contracts, INCOTERMS, and financial analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, customers, and all levels of management.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Education / Training / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Controls, or related discipline) required.
• Master's degree or combination of engineering and business/finance education preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in proposal engineering, pricing, cost analysis, or technical sales within industrial manufacturing or capital equipment.
• Experience in machine tools, automation, or engineered industrial products preferred.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Office (advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Outlook and Internet-based applications
• SAP modules related to sales, pricing, costing, material masters, and bills of material
• PowerBI or similar data analysis/visualization tools preferred
• Proposal or project management software a plus

Travel Requirements

• Up to approximately 5%, domestic and international.

The salary range in this posting depends on qualifications and experience. Actual compensation may vary, and this job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on relevant experience, qualifications/education, and other factors including work schedule, shift premiums, and overtime.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that would need to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their manager or supervisor.

DISCLAIMER

The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an all inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements or duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.