Position Summary
This role exists to turn operational reality into commercial excellence.
The Manager of Pre-Sales Engineering leads the quoting and internal project management teams to ensure that quotes are accurate, executable, and margin-protective, and that awarded work flows smoothly from order to delivery.
This leader uses deep manufacturing knowledge to eliminate the traditional gap between what is quoted, what is planned, and what is actually executed on the floor.
Primary accountability areas 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 / estimating team.
Establish and enforce quoting standards:
Assumptions
Risk flags
Routing logic
Cycle time, setup, and labor models
Apply CNC and manufacturing expertise to:
Improve process selection
Eliminate unrealistic assumptions
Align quotes with true shop capability
Drive continuous improvement in:
Quote accuracy
Margin protection
Win-rate by margin band
Act as the technical authority on manufacturability during quoting.
2. Quote-to-Execution Alignment
Ensure awarded work matches quoted scope, assumptions, and strategy.
Validate routings, setups, and process plans prior to release.
Partner closely with Operations to:
Confirm feasibility
Surface risks early
Adjust scope or schedule before issues occur
Lead post-job reviews to close gaps between:
Quoted vs actual time
Quoted vs actual cost
Quoted vs actual margin
3. Internal Project / Program Management Leadership
Lead internal Project Managers.
Ensure PMs:
Run structured kickoffs
Maintain scope, schedule, and change control
Escalate risks early and clearly
Standardize PM workflows from order acceptance through delivery.
Serve as escalation point for:
Scope changes
Schedule conflicts
Commercial execution issues
4. Cross-Functional Integration
Serve as the primary interface between:
Quoting
Project Management
Operations
Translate operational constraints into commercial decisions.
Support the Department P&L Owner with:
Risk identification
Margin improvement initiatives
5. Continuous Improvement & Systems
Improve estimating tools, templates, and logic.
Drive standard work for quoting, work release, and internal project management.
Support implementation of:
Software optimization
ERP / MES enhancements
Data feedback loops from the shop floor
Champion data-driven decision making in quoting and execution.
Requirements
At least 5 years’ experience in a CNC or technical role, and supporting sales or customer engagement in a manufacturing environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field preferred.
Deep understanding of manufacturing, specifically CNC and additive manufacturing technologies.
Ability to review and refine technical solutions, lead complex demos, and address technical objections.
Experience with CAD/CAM software.
Aerospace and Defense experience a plus.
Previous leadership experience is a plus.
Demonstrated history of pre-sales or technical sales support, particularly in complex engineering or manufacturing environments.
