Controls Estimating Engineer

Company: Steele Solutions
Location: Milwaukee
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Steele Solutions, Inc. is the nation's leading designer and manufacturer of steel work platforms and mezzanines. We recently launched our automation division to solve one of the biggest challenges in material handling-controls that are too often rebuilt from scratch, full of delays, and unpredictable at startup. With this launch, we’re looking for a Solutions Engineer professionals to join our automation team i n Atlanta, GA (preferred) or Milwaukee, WI! *Role does require travel up to 25-30% Summary The Controls Estimating Engineer is a lead concepting and estimating authority for complex automation and controls opportunities within the Controls Division. This role is responsible for developing technically sound, commercially competitive solutions while protecting margin and execution integrity. The Senior Solutions Engineer leads high-stakes pursuits, establishes and governs estimating and concepting standards, mentors and develops Solutions Engineering talent, and partners closely with Sales, Engineering, and Leadership to drive win strategy, proposal quality, and continuous improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. Lead concept development and estimation for large, complex, or high-risk automation and controls projects, including multi-zone, high-throughput, and multi-site systems. Define and validate system architectures, control strategies, execution approaches, and key cost drivers. Develop, calibrate, and govern labor models, productivity factors, and estimating assumptions using historical data. Independently validate full estimates for accuracy, completeness, and internal consistency. Identify risks, assumptions, exclusions, and mitigation strategies; recommend contingencies and alternates aligned to commercial strategy. Proposal & Commercial Strategy Own solution and pricing strategy for assigned pursuits, including basis of estimate, alternates, and risk posture. Lead internal bid reviews, gate approvals, and executive presentations; communicate technical and commercial tradeoffs clearly. Partner with Sales/BD leadership on pipeline planning, bid/no-bid decisions, prioritization, and win strategy. Produce customer-ready technical narratives, pricing packages, and executive summaries that align with contract language and margin objectives. Standards, Governance & Continuous Improvement Establish and maintain concepting and estimating standards, templates, tools, and governance across Solutions Engineering. Oversee historical cost databases, estimating KPIs, and model calibration to improve accuracy and quoting velocity. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including reusable proposal content, standardized modules, and automation of estimating processes. Leadership & Talent Development Mentor, coach, and review work of Solutions Engineers across levels; ensure quality and consistency of outputs. Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance development as applicable. Lead cross-functional alignment between Solutions Engineering, Project Management, Engineering, and Operations to improve handoff quality and reduce rework. Customer & Executive Engagement Lead customer workshops and high-visibility pursuits; present solutions to technical, operational, and executive stakeholders. Represent Solutions Engineering in executive-level reviews and strategic discussions. Negotiate scope boundaries, assumptions, and clarifications with customers and internal stakeholders with minimal oversight. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree preferred (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls/Computer, Systems Engineering, or related). 7–10 years of experience in material handling, automation systems, solutions engineering, pre-sales system design, or estimating. Demonstrated experience leading complex pursuits and influencing commercial outcomes. Key Skills & Competencies Strong technical judgment and ability to evaluate complex tradeoffs under uncertainty. Advanced estimating, modeling, and analytical capabilities. Comfortable presenting to senior leadership and C-level customer stakeholders. Metrics-driven, process-oriented mindset with a bias toward scalable, repeatable solutions. Strong leadership, coaching, and cross-functional influence skills. High ownership mindset with disciplined decision-making and strong risk awareness. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Office-based with periodic exposure to plant and customer sites. Locations: Atlanta, GA / Milwaukee, WI Travel: Occasional customer or site workshops ( Why You’ll Love Working Here? A collaborative culture. Opportunities to make a real impact as we grow. Competitive pay, great benefits, and a great team. Celebrations, volunteer days, and moments that make work more than just “work.” Are You Ready to Join the SSi Team?

Keywords: Steele Solutions, Palatine , Controls Estimating Engineer, Engineering , Milwaukee, Illinois