What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quote Engineer position at Howard Industries?
Company Overview
Howard Industries, Inc. is the nation’s leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, with over 10 million overhead, single-phase and three-phase pad mounted, and network transformers in service throughout the United States and abroad. As Mississippi's largest privately held employer headquartered within the state, the company employs over 5,000 team members, generates over $1 billion in revenue, and consists of three main corporate divisions: Howard Power Solutions, Howard Transportation, and Howard Technology Solutions.
Position Summary
The Quote Engineer serves as the primary technical interface between our customers and the manufacturing team. You will be responsible for interpreting customer specifications, determining the most cost-effective technical solutions for transformer design, and generating accurate pricing and formal proposals.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Analysis: Review and interpret customer RFQs (Request for Quotes) and technical specifications for power and distribution transformers.
- Design Optimization: Collaborate with the design engineering team to develop preliminary designs that meet customer performance requirements while optimizing material costs.
- Cost Estimation: Calculate labor, material, and overhead costs using internal ERP systems and pricing models.
- Proposal Generation: Prepare formal technical and commercial proposals, ensuring all clarifications and exceptions to customer specifications are clearly documented.
- Customer Liaison: Provide technical support to the sales team during negotiations and act as a subject matter expert during customer meetings or technical reviews.
- Project Hand-off: Ensure a seamless transition from the "won" quote to the manufacturing design team by providing comprehensive documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Mechanical Engineering (BSME).
- Experience: 2–5 years of experience in an engineering role, preferably within transformer manufacturing or the power industry.
- Technical Skills: * Proficiency in reading electrical schematics and technical drawings.
- Familiarity with industry standards such as IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA.
- Experience with ERP software and advanced Excel for cost modeling.
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, excellent written communication, and the ability to manage multiple high-priority deadlines.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of transformer magnetic circuits, insulation systems, and cooling methods.
- Prior experience in a "Technical Sales" or "Applications" environment.