Automation Proposal and Estimating Specialist

Knobelsdorff Enterprises•Eagan, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports the Automation division by turning complex customer opportunities into clear, technically sound, and commercially competitive proposals. You’ll be responsible for leading opportunities from initial RFQ through final proposal, developing accurate scopes and estimates that directly impact project execution, profitability, and the customer experience. Success in this role means reducing scope gaps, improving project handoffs, and delivering high-quality proposals, all while upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in doing things the right way and thrives in a fast-moving environment, this position is built for you.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, systems integration, or automation project execution.
Working knowledge of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control panel drawings, network architecture diagrams, instrumentation documentation, technical specifications, and bid packages.
Experience developing project scopes, technical proposals, estimates, or automation project budgets.
Understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, and process control applications.
Ability to identify scope gaps, technical risks, assumptions, and exclusions within customer requirements.
Experience coordinating with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Project Management, and Business Development teams.
Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel for estimating and proposal development.
Ability to travel to customer sites as needed for project reviews, site assessments, and scope development.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or a related engineering field, or equivalent industry experience.
Experience with Rockwell Automation or Allen-Bradley platforms.
Experience with Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, AVEVA, VTScada, or similar SCADA platforms.
Experience with control panel design, UL 508A panel manufacturing, or hardware engineering.
Knowledge of industrial networking protocols, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, and DeviceNet.
Experience in grain, feed, milling, food and beverage, oil and gas, chemical processing, manufacturing, or data center infrastructure.
Experience in automation estimating, proposal development, applications engineering, sales engineering, or front-end engineering design.
Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities.
Knowledge of instrumentation selection, specification, and implementation.
Understanding of NEC, NFPA, and industrial electrical standards.
Experience with ERP, estimating, CRM, or project-management software.
PMP, CAP, CCST, PE, or another relevant automation or controls certification.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of automation opportunities from initial RFQ through final proposal submission.
Review customer specifications, P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, electrical drawings, network architecture, equipment documentation, and bid packages.
Develop a strong understanding of the customer’s process, control philosophy, project requirements, and expectations.
Identify scope gaps, technical risks, assumptions, exclusions, and missing information early in the process.
Develop RFIs and technical clarification questions to help define the complete project scope.
Coordinate with customers, vendors, OEMs, engineering firms, and internal stakeholders to gather required information.
Clearly define KE’s responsibilities and exclusions before pricing a project.
Build detailed automation quotations covering controls engineering, PLC programming, HMI and SCADA development, control panels, hardware, instrumentation, industrial networking, testing, commissioning, project management, travel, software, and related project costs.
Develop accurate engineering, programming, manufacturing, commissioning, and project-management labor estimates.
Work with suppliers and internal procurement resources to obtain accurate material pricing.
Prepare clear scope descriptions, assumptions, exclusions, deliverables, schedules, and commercial clarifications.
Develop technically detailed proposals that are clear and easy for customers to understand.
Maintain consistency and quality across KE Automation quotations, regardless of project size or market.
Coordinate proposal development with Business Development, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Electrical, Project Management, Products and Innovation, and leadership.
Ensure the appropriate technical stakeholders are involved before major proposals are submitted.
Collect information, challenge assumptions, close open items, and communicate project risks.
Confirm internal alignment on scope, pricing, resources, and execution expectations.
Support clear handoffs from Business Development to Engineering and Operations following project award.
Help improve estimating processes, tools, standards, templates, and historical cost data.
Support future growth of KE Automation’s quotation and estimating function.
Travel to customer sites as needed for project reviews, site assessments, and scope development.
Support retrofit and brownfield site investigations by reviewing existing controls and electrical infrastructure.
Document current conditions, identify technical risks, and help establish the basis for modernization projects.
Coordinate with customers and internal technical experts to validate field conditions and project requirements.