Entry Level Customer Solutions Engineer Jobs

KONE Americas | Pacific District

Location: Costa Mesa, CA or San Leandro, CA

Join a Global Leader in People Flow

Founded in 1910, KONE is a global leader that provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization that add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Our mission is to improve the flow of urban life and make our world’s cities better places to live by providing innovative solutions that help make people’s journeys safe, convenient and reliable. Our operations in over 60 countries around the world has helped us achieve our position as an innovation and sustainability leader with repeated recognitions by Forbes, Corporate Knights for clean capitalism and others.

Position Overview

KONE is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Customer Solutions Estimator to support our growing project business throughout the Pacific District. This role is ideal for a construction, engineering, or elevator industry professional who excels at interpreting complex project requirements, developing competitive solutions, and partnering with sales teams to win business. As a trusted technical and commercial advisor, you will play a critical role in the pursuit of new projects, providing accurate cost estimates, technical recommendations, risk assessments, and customer-focused solutions. You will collaborate with sales, engineering, operations, sourcing, and external stakeholders to develop comprehensive tender packages that position KONE for success. The successful candidate is analytical, proactive, customer-focused, and capable of managing multiple opportunities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Proposal Development:

- Analyze architectural drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop accurate and competitive project estimates.
- Prepare complete tender packages, including pricing, scope clarification, technical documentation, and value-engineering alternatives.
- Evaluate project risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations to support sound business decisions.
- Coordinate with engineering, sourcing, vendors, and operations teams to ensure estimates reflect current costs, schedules, and project requirements.

Sales & Customer Support:

- Partner closely with Sales Consultants to develop winning strategies for new construction opportunities.
- Provide technical expertise during customer presentations, consultant meetings, and project development discussions.
- Recommend innovative solutions that align customer needs with KONE's product portfolio and long-term value proposition.
- Support specification development and influence project requirements where appropriate.

Major Project Support:

- Contribute to strategic pursuits during both acquisition and execution phases of projects.
- Participate in project reviews, forecasting activities, and bid strategy discussions.
- Assist with transition planning from sales to operations to ensure project expectations are clearly communicated and successfully executed.

Process Improvement & Market Development:

- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to estimating accuracy, productivity, and best practices.
- Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging project opportunities.
- Share lessons learned and technical expertise across the district and broader organization.

Qualifications

Required Experience:

- Minimum of 2 years of experience in estimating, project development, construction, engineering, elevator systems, or a related technical field.
- Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Proven ability to develop accurate estimates while managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience:

- Elevator industry experience strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of construction means and methods, project execution, and tendering processes.
- Familiarity with estimating software, CRM systems, and forecasting tools.
- Experience supporting major construction projects from pursuit through execution.

Professional Skills:

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build credibility and influence stakeholders across multiple functions.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Why Join KONE?

At KONE, you will be part of an organization that values collaboration, innovation, safety, and professional growth. You'll have the opportunity to work on some of the most complex and visible projects in the region while partnering with industry-leading professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. If you are a strategic estimator who enjoys solving technical challenges, influencing project outcomes, and contributing directly to business growth, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of urban mobility.

About KONE

At KONE, we foster an innovative and collaborative culture, valuing each individual's contribution. Employee engagement and sustainability are key focuses, promoting ethical practices and mutual respect. We're proud to offer experiences and opportunities to help you achieve career and personal goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We hire individuals who value culture because we believe culture drives innovation:
- We value your authentic self.
- Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment.
- Passionate about safety, quality, and innovation.
- We care about the communities where we live and work.

Just some of our many benefits include:

- Competitive salary
- Flexible work schedule
- Opportunities to learn and grow
- 401K Employer Match
- 401k Employer Non-elective Contribution
- Well-being Program
- Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Digital Health Solutions & Telehealth
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Family & Medical Leave
- Parental Leave
- Leave to Care for a Domestic Partner
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
- Company Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability
- Buy-Up Long-term Disability
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity & Accident Insurance
- Identity Theft Protection
- Legal Insurance
- KONE Credit Union
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Commuter Benefits

Annual Base Pay Range:

The hiring range for this role in Costa Mesa CA location is $132,700– $174,195. The compensation package offered will depend on candidate’s ability to meet the requirements of the role, needs for the business strategy, and a range of factors unique to each candidate, including their skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and location. We will also consider candidates in the following areas. Below are the different ranges applicable to those locations:
- San Leandro CA area hiring range: $144,200 – $189,315

Variable Compensation

KONE Annual Bonus plan at 15% Target Incentive (50/50) based on achievement of company goals and individual goals. Come share your passion and energy to make a positive impact at KONE for our customers and your career!

Beware of Recruitment Scams!

KONE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local fair chance laws.

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.