Estimator / Concept Engineer

Gonzalez Group•Armada, MI

About The Position

We are seeking a highly technical and commercially minded Estimator / Concept Engineer to lead early-stage solution development and cost modeling for industrial automation projects. This role bridges Sales, Engineering, and Operations - translating customer needs into technically sound concepts and accurate, competitive proposals. Projects range from conveyance systems and rack indexers to robotic cells, vision-guided automation, inspection gantries, tooling systems, and full turnkey manufacturing lines. This position plays a critical role in defining scope, mitigating risk, and setting projects up for execution success.

Requirements

5+ years experience in industrial automation, tooling, or machine design.
Strong background in robotic systems (Fanuc, ABB, etc.), conveyor and material handling systems, and pneumatics and mechanical assemblies.
Proficiency in AutoCAD.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and customer specifications (OEM standards preferred).
Strong understanding of automation build costs and labor models.
Excellent communication skills (internal & customer-facing).

Nice To Haves

Experience quoting large-scale automation projects ($250K–$5M+).
Familiarity with automotive OEM standards.
Understanding of vision systems and inspection processes.
Experience with cost modeling tools or Excel-based estimating systems.
Knowledge of installation sequencing and field labor planning.

Responsibilities

Develop system concepts for robotic work cells (welding, material handling, assembly, inspection), conveyors (indexing, palletized, power & free, accumulation), dunnage handling and rack sequencing systems, vision systems and part validation processes, and custom tooling and EOAT.
Generate conceptual layouts in AutoCAD.
Perform cycle time analysis and capacity validation.
Evaluate manufacturability and field install considerations.
Identify technical risks and mitigation strategies.
Develop detailed cost models including mechanical engineering hours, controls engineering hours, panel build & field wiring labor, fabrication and machining, purchased components (robots, conveyors, vision, pneumatics), and installation and debug.
Solicit vendor quotes and manage supplier pricing.
Build structured Bills of Material (BOMs).
Prepare scope narratives and assumptions.
Support RFQ responses for OEMs (Ford, Tier 1s, etc.).
Work closely with Sales to ensure competitive positioning.
Partner with Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Installation.
Support handoff meetings to project teams.
Assist in technical presentations to customers.
Participate in design reviews and risk assessments.