H-1B Visa Proposal Engineer Jobs
Proposal Engineer jobs qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, technical management, or a closely related field. Sponsoring employers file a certified LCA and I-129 petition with USCIS, covering an initial three-year status period extendable to six years total.
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Get Access To All JobsSenior Sales & Proposal Engineer
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Onsite)
Summary
The Senior Sales and Proposal Engineer will develop technical and commercial proposals for electrical and automation modernization projects and new equipment installations in the metals industry. Working closely with engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, this role develops proposals for melt shops, casters, rolling mills, and process lines. The successful candidate brings a proactive, customer-focused approach to sales, a technical background, and the ability to guide proposal development from initial requirements through customer presentation.
Who we are
At SMS group, our people are our greatest asset. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that promotes a culture of innovation, growth, and inclusion. We offer company events, activities, and opportunities to participate in charitable initiatives that benefit the communities where we are located.
- Work with the engineering team to propose technical solutions for sales projects based on customer requirements, SMS standards, and relevant reference projects.
- Prepare project cost estimates based on the proposed technical solution, including input from required vendors and reference estimates.
- Present SMS group’s proposed solutions to customers as part of your sales activities.
- Coordinate and communicate with colleagues across our global engineering team, as well as with customers and suppliers.
- Manage assignments independently within broad objectives and established limits.
- Provide guidance and support to less-experienced sales and proposal engineers.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Computer Programming, or a related engineering or technical field; equivalent relevant experience may also be considered.
- At least 10 years of experience in an engineering and/or sales role in the metals industry or a similar industry, or with an automation, controls, power, or drives company.
- Background in electrical and automation practices and control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), drives, and process models.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% to support project and proposal work, investigations, and meetings.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English.
- Adaptability and flexibility when addressing challenges and exploring different approaches.
- Ability to manage multiple sales projects at different stages simultaneously.
- Interest in developing toward a management role.
- Authorization to work in the United States and willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
What we offer
Competitive compensation, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid vacation, paid holiday time, 401k with a company match, training, a tuition reimbursement program and more!
What we do
SMS group is the leading partner in the world of metals. We are an original equipment supplier offering comprehensive maintenance and spare part services for metals production, continuous casting and rolling (flat and long products), tubes, welded pipes, forging, non-ferrous technology, and heat treatment plants - all from a single source.
SMS group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity or other categories protected by law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and physical capacity profile test.
Senior Sales & Proposal Engineer
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Onsite)
Summary
The Senior Sales and Proposal Engineer will develop technical and commercial proposals for electrical and automation modernization projects and new equipment installations in the metals industry. Working closely with engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, this role develops proposals for melt shops, casters, rolling mills, and process lines. The successful candidate brings a proactive, customer-focused approach to sales, a technical background, and the ability to guide proposal development from initial requirements through customer presentation.
Who we are
At SMS group, our people are our greatest asset. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that promotes a culture of innovation, growth, and inclusion. We offer company events, activities, and opportunities to participate in charitable initiatives that benefit the communities where we are located.
- Work with the engineering team to propose technical solutions for sales projects based on customer requirements, SMS standards, and relevant reference projects.
- Prepare project cost estimates based on the proposed technical solution, including input from required vendors and reference estimates.
- Present SMS group’s proposed solutions to customers as part of your sales activities.
- Coordinate and communicate with colleagues across our global engineering team, as well as with customers and suppliers.
- Manage assignments independently within broad objectives and established limits.
- Provide guidance and support to less-experienced sales and proposal engineers.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Computer Programming, or a related engineering or technical field; equivalent relevant experience may also be considered.
- At least 10 years of experience in an engineering and/or sales role in the metals industry or a similar industry, or with an automation, controls, power, or drives company.
- Background in electrical and automation practices and control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), drives, and process models.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% to support project and proposal work, investigations, and meetings.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English.
- Adaptability and flexibility when addressing challenges and exploring different approaches.
- Ability to manage multiple sales projects at different stages simultaneously.
- Interest in developing toward a management role.
- Authorization to work in the United States and willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
What we offer
Competitive compensation, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid vacation, paid holiday time, 401k with a company match, training, a tuition reimbursement program and more!
What we do
SMS group is the leading partner in the world of metals. We are an original equipment supplier offering comprehensive maintenance and spare part services for metals production, continuous casting and rolling (flat and long products), tubes, welded pipes, forging, non-ferrous technology, and heat treatment plants - all from a single source.
SMS group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity or other categories protected by law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and physical capacity profile test.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Proposal Engineer
Frame your degree for specialty occupation
USCIS evaluates whether your degree directly relates to proposal engineering duties. A bachelor's in mechanical, systems, or industrial engineering maps cleanly. If your degree is in business or a adjacent field, document how your coursework connects to cost estimation, technical writing, and bid analysis.
Use O*NET to anchor your SOC code
Proposal Engineers typically file under a sales engineering or general engineering SOC code. Pull the O*NET occupation profile before your employer files, confirm the listed tasks match your actual duties, and flag any mismatches early so the LCA reflects your real scope of work.
Target employers with multi-site LCA history
Proposal roles often shift between client sites and project offices. Each worksite needs its own certified LCA, so target employers experienced with multi-location H-1B filings. Search Migrate Mate to identify companies with verified LCA sponsorship history in your target metro area.
Verify prevailing wage tier before the offer
Run the OFLC Wage Search for your SOC code and metro area before your employer finalizes the offer letter. Proposal Engineers with bid-management or systems responsibilities sometimes qualify for a higher wage level, which affects both your compensation and the LCA filing.
Clarify cap-exempt status with defense contractors
Some federal contractors or federally funded research organizations qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning your petition bypasses the annual selection process entirely. Confirm whether your prospective employer holds that status before the offer stage rather than after I-129 preparation begins.
Build a technical credentials package early
Gather your degree transcripts, any PE licensure, project portfolios showing technical scope, and reference letters describing your role in winning contracts. USCIS looks for evidence that the position genuinely requires specialized engineering knowledge, not just coordination or administrative proposal work.
H-1B Visa Proposal Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Proposal Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences, or a directly related technical field. Employers must demonstrate that the role involves degree-level duties such as technical cost modeling, systems analysis, or engineering specification development. A proposal coordinator or bid-admin role structured around clerical duties would not meet the specialty occupation standard.
Which SOC code do employers typically use for Proposal Engineer H-1B filings?
Most employers file Proposal Engineer petitions under Sales Engineers (SOC 41-9031) or a relevant engineering discipline code depending on the industry, such as industrial or mechanical engineering. The choice affects the prevailing wage requirement, so it's worth reviewing your actual job duties against the O*NET task descriptions before the LCA is filed, since USCIS can scrutinize code selection.
How do I find employers who sponsor H-1B visas for Proposal Engineer roles?
Search Migrate Mate to browse companies with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history filtered to engineering and technical sales roles. Because proposal engineering spans industries from aerospace and defense to energy and construction, look for employers whose LCA filings align with your specific technical background rather than focusing on company size alone.
What happens to my H-1B status if the proposal project ends before my three-year period?
Your H-1B is tied to the sponsoring employer, not the specific project. If your employer reassigns you to a new proposal team or program, they generally only need a new certified LCA if your worksite or wage level changes materially. If the employer terminates your position, USCIS allows a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart.
Do defense contractor Proposal Engineer jobs have any H-1B advantages?
Some federally funded research and development centers and universities with government contracts qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, which means petitions can be filed at any time without entering the annual selection process. However, most private defense and aerospace contractors are cap-subject, so you should confirm your employer's status directly with their immigration counsel before relying on cap-exempt filing.