Project Estimator

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join our organization! You will have the opportunity work with the acknowledged leader in the field of liquid food packaging and consumer goods, Krones, Inc., via their subsidiary provider for these services, Process and Data Automation. We are looking for a motivated professional to work in these market segments which would include any manufacturers who embrace software in a manufacturing setting. Under the general direction of the Engineering Manager, Project Managers, and Senior Engineers, the Controls Engineer Level 2 serves as a member of a cross-functional project team. As a member of a cross-functional project team, the role has responsibility to independently execute tasks and project initiatives.

Process and Data Automation is a full-service, CSIA Certified industrial control systems integration firm. Our Automation Engineering group specializes in physical automation system design, programming, project management, and commissioning. We also feature a dedicated Digitalization Group (DSG) that connects automated equipment and systems to the business system environment including protected recipe systems, data collection and reporting, and data historian implementation. Our DSG can provide the systems you need to set your systems up for proper operation and then provide the tools you need to make sure you execute as planned.

Job Summary

The Project Estimator provides support to sales team members. The purpose of the role is to shift non-selling activities away from outside sales, enabling the team to focus time to on strategic selling activities, resulting in sales growth. Project Estimators assist with reporting, pricing, proposal content development, and pre/post order support. The Project Estimator collaborates with multiple departments including Sales, Engineering, and Admin to assemble and prepare proposals. In this role you will aid in proposal development by utilizing personal knowledge, internal specialists or other internal resources, vendor representatives and other available sources. Over time you will learn and evaluate all of Process and Data Automation offerings to aid in identifying client objectives, requirements, and preferences. 

 Essential Functions

• Must be able to work independently and capable of Triage and prioritizing daily task assignments
• Ability to multi-task, handle multiple priorities with agility and perform in fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Review technical documents and correspondence to comprehend the RFQ requirements and breakdown the proposals into core components, and labor costs
• Identify, research and create a bill of materials needed to complete the requested scope
• Solicit vendors by gathering information on products, pricing, and lead times 
• Prepare application proposals and scope into assembled technical documents 
• Enter and track all quoting activity in our customer resource management system
• Provide on-going communication throughout proposal development process
• Achieves and maintains technical capabilities at required levels, attends trainings as needed, participates in sales meetings, to enhance and maintain personal and company portfolio knowledge.
• Able to meet deadlines

Competencies:

• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: fluent in verbal and written communications, technical Writing Experience preferred
• Ability to problem-solve and respond to unique situations in the appropriate manner
• Ability to read and understand routine reports, operating instructions, and correspondence
• Be responsive, proactive and provide attention to detail
• Perceive the purpose of a project and work towards the end goal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Associates degree in technical degree in related discipline preferred or minimum of 2 years of administrative support or similar technical sales experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Teams and Outlook experience, advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, (Bonus: PowerPoint, Dynamics 365 CRM) 
• Client oriented with excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with the general concepts/fundamentals of PLCs and the ability to assemble a BOM for electrical and/or control system platforms is highly desirable
• Knowledge of Allen-Bradley or other major Automation platforms products and solution desired
• Experience with controls related sales a plus