Pre-Sales Engineering Manager

Pre-Sales Engineering Manager

Position Summary -

The Pre-Sales Engineering Manager is responsible for turning operational reality into commercial excellence. This position leads the quoting/estimating and internal project management teams to ensure quotes are accurate, executable, and margin-protective while ensuring awarded work moves smoothly from order through delivery. Using deep manufacturing expertise, this leader helps eliminate the gap between what is quoted, what is planned, and what can realistically be executed on the manufacturing floor.

Primary areas of accountability include:

• Quoting accuracy and optimization


• Commercial execution discipline


• Quote-to-actual performance alignment


• Internal project management effectiveness


• Continuous improvement of estimating models and assumptions

• 
  

  Primary Responsibilities

  
  

  1. Quoting Leadership & Optimization

  
  
  
  
  • Lead and develop the quoting and estimating team.
  
  
  • Establish and enforce quoting standards related to:
  
  
  • Assumptions
  
  
  • Risk identification and flags
  
  
  • Routing logic
  
  
  • Cycle time, setup, and labor models
  
  
  • Apply CNC and manufacturing expertise to:
  
  
  • Improve process selection
  
  
  • Eliminate unrealistic assumptions
  
  
  • Align quotes with actual shop capabilities
  
  
  • Drive continuous improvement in:
  
  
  • Quote accuracy
  
  
  • Margin protection
  
  
  • Win rate by margin band
  
  
  • Serve as the technical authority on manufacturability during the quoting process.
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  2. Quote-to-Execution Alignment

  
  
  
  
  • Ensure awarded work aligns with the quoted scope, assumptions, and strategy.
  
  
  • Validate routings, setups, and process plans prior to release.
  
  
  • Partner closely with Operations to:
  
  
  • Confirm manufacturing feasibility
  
  
  • Identify and surface risks early
  
  
  • Adjust scope or schedules before issues occur
  
  
  • Lead post-job reviews to identify and close gaps between:
  
  
  • Quoted vs. actual time
  
  
  • Quoted vs. actual cost
  
  
  • Quoted vs. actual margin
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  3. Internal Project & Program Management Leadership

  
  
  
  
  • Lead the internal Project Management team.
  
  
  • Ensure Project Managers:
  
  
  • Conduct structured project kickoffs
  
  
  • Maintain scope, schedule, and change control
  
  
  • Escalate risks early and clearly
  
  
  • Standardize project management workflows from order acceptance through delivery.
  
  
  • Serve as the escalation point for:
  
  
  • Scope changes
  
  
  • Schedule conflicts
  
  
  • Commercial execution issues
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  4. Cross-Functional Integration

  
  
  
  
  • Serve as a primary interface between:
  
  
  • Quoting/Estimating
  
  
  • Project Management
  
  
  • Operations
  
  
  • Translate operational constraints into effective commercial decisions.
  
  
  • Support the department P&L owner with:
  
  
  • Risk identification
  
  
  • Margin improvement initiatives
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  5. Continuous Improvement & Systems

  
  
  
  
  • Improve estimating tools, templates, processes, and logic.
  
  
  • Drive standardized work across quoting, work release, and internal project management.
  
  
  • Support the implementation and optimization of:
  
  
  • Software solutions
  
  
  • ERP/MES enhancements
  
  
  • Data feedback loops from the manufacturing floor
  
  
  • Champion data-driven decision-making throughout quoting and project execution.
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  Qualifications & Requirements

  
  
  
  
  • At least 5 years of experience in a CNC or technical manufacturing role, including experience supporting sales or customer engagement within a manufacturing environment.
  
  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field preferred.
  
  
  • Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, particularly CNC machining and additive manufacturing technologies.
  
  
  • Ability to review and refine technical solutions, lead complex demonstrations, and address technical objections.
  
  
  • Experience with CAD/CAM software.
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience in pre-sales or technical sales support, particularly within complex engineering or manufacturing environments.
  
  
  • Previous leadership experience is a plus.
  
  
  • Aerospace and Defense industry experience is a plus.