1

Proposals Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Sales Engineer manages the opportunity from lead through close, supports demonstrations and ... Present these proposals to customers, defining a value proposition for our solution overcoming ...

You will collaborate with a team of relevant specialists from Sales, Project Management, Engineering, Commissioning & Site Management and Estimating to create technical proposals which are efficient ...

Senior Paint and Sealer proposal engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · Hybrid

$98K - $135K/yr

... detailed proposals that include full and accurate costs.The work model for the role is: Hybrid ... Collaborating with engineering operations teams during bid estimation.Ensuring that, in accordance ...

Senior Paint and Sealer proposal engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · Hybrid

$98K - $135K/yr

... detailed proposals that include full and accurate costs.The work model for the role is: Hybrid ... Collaborating with engineering operations teams during bid estimation.Ensuring that, in accordance ...

Make an Impact As a Proposal Coordinator, you'll be the driving force behind our firm's next big ... Experience in architecture, engineering, and construction industry. * Design experience with Adobe ...

Showing results 21-40

Proposals Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$50.6K

$99.8K

$117.2K

How much do proposals engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposals engineer in Michigan is $99,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proposals engineer?

Proposals Engineers are professionals responsible for preparing and managing technical and commercial proposals for engineering projects. They work closely with sales, engineering, and project management teams to analyze client requirements, develop solutions, estimate costs, and ensure that proposals meet both client specifications and company standards. Their role is crucial in winning new business by clearly communicating the value and feasibility of their company's offerings. Proposals Engineers must have strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.

How does a proposals engineer typically collaborate with sales and technical teams during the bidding process?

A Proposals Engineer acts as a vital link between the sales team, technical experts, and sometimes even clients to ensure that bid documents are accurate, competitive, and technically sound. This role involves gathering input from engineering, estimating, and commercial departments to create comprehensive proposals that address client needs and project specifications. Frequent meetings, clear documentation, and regular communication are essential, as the Proposals Engineer must balance technical accuracy with strategic pricing and compliance requirements. Collaboration is often fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

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

To thrive as a Proposals Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and cost estimation, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with proposal management software, CAD tools, and industry-specific standards or certifications like PMP or APMP is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you create compelling and accurate proposals while collaborating with sales and technical teams. These skills ensure high-quality proposals that meet client requirements, drive business growth, and enhance the company's competitive edge.

What is the difference between Proposals Engineer vs Sales Engineer?

AspectProposals EngineerSales Engineer
Primary FocusPreparing and managing technical proposals and bidsPresenting products and solutions to clients to close sales
Required SkillsTechnical writing, proposal development, industry knowledgeTechnical knowledge, communication, client interaction
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often collaborating with engineering teamsClient-facing, often traveling to client sites
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, proposal writing certificationsEngineering degrees, sales certifications

While both roles require technical knowledge and industry experience, a Proposals Engineer primarily focuses on creating detailed proposals and bids, whereas a Sales Engineer emphasizes client interactions and product demonstrations to drive sales. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What job categories do people searching Proposals Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Proposals Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Proposals Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Proposals Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Proposals Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,764 per year, or $48 per hour.

SALES ENGINEER

Progressive Surface

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description

This role partners with engineering and operations to translate customer requirements into application recommendations and proposals for surface enhancement solutions, including shot peening, grit blasting, waterjet (WJ) cleaning, and thermal spray coating equipment. The Sales Engineer manages the opportunity from lead through close, supports demonstrations and commissioning as needed.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Develop and maintain a level of qualified prospects sufficient to meet sales goals.
  2. Qualify prospects as to budgeted dollars, decision process, and time frame.
  3. Maintain a level of company knowledge, product knowledge, and selling presentation skills sufficient to obtain maximum closing.
  4. Distill Customer Specifications into requirements used by Proposal engineering to develop technical proposal for equipment.
  5. Present these proposals to customers, defining a value proposition for our solution overcoming technical and commercial obstacles and winning the opportunity.
  6. Manage contact with customers in assigned accounts.
  7. Follow up on sales leads in a timely manner and report on the results.
  8. Maintain accurate forecasts in terms of value, product type, and purchase order and installation date.
  9. Define marketing ideas for industries of responsibility.
  10. Identify process/product development ideas which would result in cost reduction, new product development, or improvement in operations.
  11. Provide technical support to clients relating to use, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
  12. Complete all administrative reports on a timely basis; maintain accurate records.
Miscellaneous Responsibilities
  1. Performs other work-related duties as assigned.


Requirements

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

  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from a four-year college/university; or 5+ years of experience/training selling machine tools or capital equipment (preferably surface enhancement processes: shot peening, grit blasting, waterjet (WJ) cleaning, thermal  spray coating); or equivalent combination of education and  experience.
  • Preferred: Consultative technical sales experience with surface enhancement equipment/systems; ability to quote, provide application support, and manage long/complex capital sales cycles.
  • Travel: Willing and able to travel domestically and occasionally internationally (typically 10-20%, based on territory/customer demand).
  • Strong comprehension of business/technical information and regulations; able to interpret and execute instructions in written, oral, diagram, and schedule formats.
  • Clear written and verbal communication (reports, correspondence, presentations); able to translate customer technical requirements into appropriate product/equipment recommendations.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; able to define issues, gather/interpret data, and draw sound conclusions in dynamic environments.
  • Self-motivated and computer-literate; able to work independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating leadership initiative, and accountability aligned with Progressive Surface's business philosophy and sales goals.
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

  1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.