1

Proposal Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $133K/yr

Lead mechanical engineering projects from proposal development through design, implementation, and closeout Perform engineering evaluations, design modifications, and plant modifications in ...

Lead structural engineering projects from proposal development through design, implementation, and closeout Perform structural evaluations, design modifications, and plant modifications in accordance ...

Senior Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$100.33 - $135.75/hr

Prepare proposals based on expressed customer needs. Develop projects with customers; manage ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field and three (3) years of ...

Preparing and reviewing geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, proposals, scopes of work, and ... Mentoring junior engineers, field engineers, technicians, laboratory staff, and exploration teams.

Geotechnical Project Engineer Location: Lombard, IL or Chicago, IL ot Glendale Heights, IL Onsite ... Experience preparing geotechnical reports, recommendations, proposals, scopes, and cost estimates.

Showing results 41-60

Proposal Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$58.1K

$96.6K

$124.5K

How much do proposal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal engineer in Illinois is $96,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proposal engineer?

Proposal engineers develop and review contract bids for projects based on what the client needs. As a proposal engineer, you gather supporting documentation to make the proposal more competitive. You determine costs and timelines, and may outline a variety of factors that may increase or decrease them. Projects may range from large building construction to software development. Proposal engineers must have extensive knowledge of the industry in which they work; they collaborate with sales and design staff to ensure the contract proposal accurately reflects what the company can provide the client. Some proposal engineers work for a consulting firm and are hired by companies, while others work in the sales department of a company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a proposal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project estimation, and proposal development, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CAD applications, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is often required. Exceptional attention to detail, effective communication, and strong organizational skills set standout professionals apart. These competencies ensure accurate proposals, clear client communication, and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a competitive bidding environment.

What are some common challenges proposal engineers face when collaborating with sales and technical teams, and how can these be managed effectively?

Proposal Engineers often act as a bridge between sales and technical teams, which can lead to challenges such as aligning technical feasibility with client expectations and tight deadlines. Effective communication and early involvement in project discussions help ensure that all requirements are clearly understood and realistic commitments are made. Building strong relationships with both teams and maintaining detailed documentation can help manage differing priorities and streamline the proposal development process.

What is the difference between Proposal Engineer vs Sales Engineer?

AspectProposal EngineerSales Engineer
Primary RolePrepares technical proposals and bids for projectsSells products/services by demonstrating technical features
Required SkillsTechnical writing, project understanding, proposal developmentTechnical knowledge, customer communication, sales skills
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often collaborating with engineering teamsClient-facing, often traveling to customer sites
Industry UsageCommon in engineering, manufacturing, constructionCommon in technology, industrial equipment, manufacturing

While Proposal Engineers focus on creating detailed technical proposals to secure projects, Sales Engineers engage directly with clients to promote and sell technical products or services. Both roles require technical expertise, but Proposal Engineers are more involved in documentation and bid preparation, whereas Sales Engineers emphasize customer interaction and sales processes.

How much does a proposal engineer make?

A proposal engineer's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior proposal engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses or benefits. Strong communication and technical skills are important for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Proposal Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Proposal Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Proposal Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Proposal Engineer jobs in IL?

For Proposal Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Proposal Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $96,571 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Regional Engineering Manager - Decatur, IL

ADM

Decatur, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Regional Engineering Manager - Decatur, IL
This is a permanent, full-time, exempt-level position reporting to the manager of Engineering Services.
***Ideal work locations for this position include Decatur, IL; Omaha NE; Lincoln NE; Fremont NE; Columbus NE; Des Moines IA; Cedar Rapids IA; Clinton IA; Kansas City MO; St Louis MO; Minneapolis MN; Marshall MN; Mankato MN; Chattanooga TN; Dawson GA; Valdosta GA; or Erlanger KY. 
This is not a remote position as the individual needs to report into an ADM site.

Position Summary
The Regional Engineering Manager will serve as the primary technical authority and "Owner's Engineer" for assigned operational and capital projects within the region.
This role provides leadership and oversight across all engineering disciplines to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient technical project delivery for ADM's processing plants.
The position acts as the central point of contact for all engineering matters, interfacing closely with Mechanical Integrity, Structural Integrity, Engineering Services, Reliability, Safety, Automation, Plant Operations, and CAPEX teams to ensure alignment with corporate standards and operational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Function as the Owner's Engineer, providing technical leadership, assurance, and oversight for all engineering activities on regional projects
  • Serve as the central engineering interface between project teams, EPC contractors, and internal stakeholders including Mechanical Integrity, Structural Integrity, Engineering Services, Reliability, Safety, Plant Operations, and CAPEX groups
  • Lead the preparation, coordination, and review of detailed engineering design packages across multiple disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, instrumentation, automation, etc.)
  • Develop and assemble technical bid packages, defining scope of work, design basis, specifications, and evaluation criteria
  • Review and evaluate EPC proposals, engineering deliverables, and contractor submittals to ensure compliance with project requirements, standards, and best practices
  • Manage full engineering scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation for small capital/OPEX projects
  • Provide technical assurance throughout project development, design, and execution phases
  • Collaborate with project management, procurement, construction, and operations teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives
  • Serve as local site engineering liaison and support business development and capital planning by providing technical input and feasibility assessments
  • Development and ownership of internal standards and practices related to new equipment from specification through installation phase
  • Support on-going continuous improvement and synergy development across ADM's business functional units
  • Mentor and develop junior engineering staff, promoting technical excellence, accountability, and professional growth
  • Identify and mitigate technical and execution risks to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective project outcomes
Key Competencies
  • Technical and commercial acumen
  • Cross-functional collaboration and influence
  • Leadership and team development
  • Strategic and analytical thinking
  • Project planning and execution
  • Quality and risk management
  • Continuous improvement mindset
Travel
  • Willingness to travel to site locations for project needs expected, up to 25% of time
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline)
  • Professional licenses such as PE/PMP or equivalent
  • 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in the process industries - such as oil & gas, specialty chemicals, food & beverage, or agricultural processing
  • Proven track record in detailed engineering design, and small and large capital project engineering
  • Demonstrated ability to act as Owner's Engineer, coordinating multi-discipline engineering efforts and interfacing across diverse functional teams
  • Experience preparing and evaluating technical bid packages and EPC proposals
  • Strong knowledge of engineering standards, codes, and regulatory requirements applicable to process industry projects
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
  • Proficiency with engineering design tools, project management systems, and digital collaboration platforms
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with fixed equipment design and/or fitness for service analysis; includes but not limited to pressure vessels, storage tanks, fired equipment, silos, bins, etc. is a plus
  • Experience with rotating equipment troubleshooting and/or specifications; includes but not limited to pumps, agitators, compressors, and/or mechanical seals is a plus
  • Experience with design for food / sanitary services, e.g., 3-A, ASME BPE, etc. is a plus
  • OSHA PSM
  • Experience with metallurgy, corrosion, welding, non-destructive examinations is a plus
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? Studies have shown that applicants may self "select-out" of consideration if they don't meet every qualification.  We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.  Relocation assistance is available for this opportunity.
REF:107631BR
"AJCIND"
 

What ADM employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom