Proposal Manager
Onsite - Rockford, Illinois
Direct Hire
Salary: $70,000 - $100,000+ (Depending on Experience)
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites as needed
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly technical and customer-focused Proposal Engineer with experience in machine tools, CNC equipment, industrial machinery, or manufacturing systems . This role is responsible for developing engineered solutions and translating customer requirements into technically accurate, competitive proposals.
The Proposal Engineer serves as a key liaison between Engineering, Sales, and Estimating teams, ensuring all proposals are technically sound, manufacturable, and aligned with project cost targets. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, hands-on engineering knowledge, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both customers and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Requirements & Solution Development
Identify and define technical requirements for customer projects in collaboration with engineering teams
Analyze customer applications, production requirements, and operating conditions to develop optimized machine tool solutions
Evaluate feasibility, technical risks, and performance expectations of proposed systems
Provide technical problem-solving and customized engineered solutions tailored to customer needs
Cost Basis & Estimating Support
Define project scope, assumptions, and technical configurations to establish accurate cost basis for estimating
Collaborate closely with estimating teams to align technical scope with pricing and cost structures
Support cost analysis by identifying major cost drivers, material requirements, and manufacturing processes
Assist with investment analysis and cost/benefit evaluations for proposed systems
Proposal Development
Prepare detailed technical and commercial proposals for customer projects
Develop clear technical documentation, specifications, and solution descriptions aligned with customer requirements
Ensure proposals accurately communicate machine capabilities, performance expectations, and overall value
Create preliminary build specifications and system configurations to support internal project alignment
Sales & Customer Support
Support sales teams by explaining technical aspects of proposed solutions and equipment capabilities
Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions to clarify project requirements
Provide ongoing technical support during the proposal phase, including revisions and customer inquiries
Translate customer needs into actionable internal engineering documentation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Engineering, Estimating, Production, and Technical Office teams
Communicate project specifications and technical requirements clearly across departments
Ensure proposed solutions align with manufacturing capabilities, schedules, and operational objectives
Continuous Improvement & Technical Analysis
Perform technical and cost analysis to improve proposal accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness
Identify opportunities for standardization, modular designs, and reuse of proven solutions
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to proposal development tools, documentation, and processes
Qualifications
5-10 years of experience in machine tools, CNC systems, industrial equipment, or manufacturing environments
Strong engineering background with hands-on technical understanding
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
Experience developing technical proposals, engineered systems, or manufacturing solutions
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred but not required
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly ® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.
About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
