Sales Engineer

We are seeking an Estimator & Sales Support Engineer to join our growing team. This position will primarily support the Sales Department by providing accurate cost estimates and technical expertise related to machining, tooling, and secondary operations. While not heavily customer-facing, this role is essential to the engineering support that drives business development efforts. When not engaged in estimating or sales support, this person may also contribute to continuous improvement and special projects on the shop floor.

• Lead analysis of RFQs for machining, tooling, and secondary operations (casting knowledge a plus).

• Develop detailed cost estimates, including cycle times, tooling amortization, materials, and logistics.

• Build and maintain robust cost models and standardized quoting templates.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to validate manufacturability and cost assumptions.

• Deliver formal quotation packages to the Sales and Leadership teams.

• Partner closely with Sales to provide technical expertise during customer meetings.

• Translate technical and cost data into clear, customer-friendly commercial messages.

• Travel occasionally to customer sites for presentations, reviews, and program kickoffs.

• Act as a technical liaison between Sales, Engineering, and Operations.

• Identify and lead shop floor efficiency projects (time studies, workflow optimization, waste reduction).

• Apply lean manufacturing and industrial engineering principles to improve quoting accuracy and competitiveness.

• Serve as the feedback loop between Estimating and Production to refine cost models continuously.

• Provide backup support for tooling launches, PPAPs, and customer program tracking.

• Ensure alignment between RFQ assumptions and real-world launch execution.

• Support communication with customers during critical program phases.

• Required: Strong machining knowledge and ability to analyze manufacturing processes and cycle times.

• Preferred: Experience with aluminum die casting, tooling, and foundry operations.

• Proven experience with lean manufacturing and process improvement projects.

• Excellent communication skills, both internal and external.

• Ability to travel as needed and represent the company professionally.

• Proficiency in Excel and quoting tools; experience with ERP/MRP and project management software a plus.

• 3–7+ years of experience in machining cost estimating, quoting, or industrial/lean engineering.

• Hands-on manufacturing experience in machining required; casting exposure preferred.

• Experience supporting sales or customer-facing technical discussions.

• Background in program management or launch coordination is desirable.

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience).
  
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