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Proposal Engineer – Bids & Estimating

White Salmon, WA | Full-Time | 4-Day Workweek

Built for Precision. Driven by Innovation.

Are you an engineer who enjoys analyzing technical requirements, building accurate estimates, and helping secure exciting new projects? A leading advanced manufacturing company serving the aerospace, defense, space, marine, and industrial sectors is seeking a Proposal Engineer to join its growing Business Development and Program Development team.

Located in beautiful White Salmon, Washington, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, this role offers the opportunity to combine technical expertise with customer engagement while contributing to projects that make a global impact.

Why Join Us?

• 4-day workweek offering enhanced work-life balance
• Opportunity to support innovative aerospace and advanced manufacturing programs
• Collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Career growth within a highly respected engineering and manufacturing organization
• Scenic Pacific Northwest location with year-round outdoor recreation

Position Summary

As a Proposal Engineer, you will play a critical role in the business development process by evaluating customer requests, analyzing technical specifications, developing cost estimates, and preparing professional proposals. You will collaborate with engineering, program management, operations, and customers to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, and project documentation
• Analyze technical requirements and develop accurate cost estimates
• Maintain data integrity within estimating systems and pricing models
• Prepare detailed proposals, bid packages, and customer correspondence
• Present estimates and pricing recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Communicate with customers and suppliers to gather information and clarify requirements
• Track proposal activity from submission through award decision
• Maintain proposal records and support business development reporting
• Capture feedback on wins, losses, pricing, schedules, and market intelligence
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve estimating and proposal processes

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• Composite manufacturing experience
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills
• Experience working with manufacturing processes, materials, and cost estimating concepts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and related business applications
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Preferred:

• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or AutoCAD
• Background in aerospace, defense, composites, manufacturing, or related industries
• Experience supporting bids, proposals, estimating, or project costing functions

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, customer-focused, and enjoys solving complex technical challenges. You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate effectively across teams, and take pride in delivering high-quality work.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable export control requirements, including providing evidence of U.S. person status where required by federal regulations.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and professional workplace.

For over 30 years, clients and candidates have entrusted AtWork to provide workforce solutions nationwide. With over 80 offices nationwide, AtWork specialize in executive, professional, commercial, and government verticals. AtWork utilizes a collaborative approach where we deliver quick, high-quality results. Our customizable service portfolio focuses on direct-hire and flexible workforce solutions. Since 1986, AtWork has continued to be an award-recognized leader in the staffing industry by clients, candidates, and industry professionals.