Manager, Pricing & Cost Estimating

Stark Aerospace•Columbus, MS

About The Position

The Manager, Pricing & Cost Estimating leads pricing and cost-estimating activities for competitive and sole-source U.S. government proposals. The role develops detailed bottom-up cost estimates and pricing models across contract types, conducts price-to-win and affordability analyses, and evaluates risks and assumptions supporting capture strategy. It works with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, subject matter experts, Finance, and Accounting to develop and validate Basis of Estimate documentation and apply indirect rates and financial analyses. The manager leads preparation and compliance of proposal cost and pricing volumes, analyzes subcontractor and supplier proposals, and ensures pricing practices and documentation meet government contracting requirements. The position supports DCAA and DCMA audits and reviews, presents pricing recommendations to management, advises senior leadership, mentors analysts and estimators, and supports continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in government contract pricing, cost estimating, program finance, or proposal management.
Extensive experience supporting U.S. government and Department of Defense proposal efforts.
Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, and Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements.
Experience developing cost volumes for competitive and sole-source acquisitions.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced proposal environment with aggressive deadlines.

Nice To Haves

MBA, master’s degree, or professional certification in finance, accounting, or program management.
Experience supporting DCAA and DCMA audits.
Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
Knowledge of Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRAs) and Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations (FPRRs).
Prior experience within a major aerospace, defense, or government services contractor.
Experience leading complex capture efforts exceeding $100 million in contract value.

Responsibilities

Lead development of detailed cost estimates and pricing models for competitive and sole-source government proposals.
Prepare bottom-up estimates using labor, material, subcontract, travel, and other direct cost inputs.
Develop and maintain pricing models for firm fixed price, cost plus, time and materials, and other contract types.
Conduct price-to-win, sensitivity, affordability, and competitive analyses to support capture strategy.
Evaluate cost, schedule, technical, and execution risks and incorporate appropriate pricing assumptions.
Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, and subject matter experts to develop and validate Basis of Estimate documentation.
Review labor-hour estimates, technical assumptions, material requirements, and program execution plans for completeness and realism.
Ensure traceability between technical, management, and cost proposal volumes.
Lead preparation of cost and pricing volumes for RFPs, RFQs, and other government solicitations.
Ensure proposal compliance with solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements.
Coordinate cost-volume content, pricing narratives, and supporting documentation across functions.
Review supplier and subcontractor cost proposals and price quotations.
Perform cost and price analyses to determine price reasonableness and adequacy.
Support subcontract proposal evaluations and negotiations.
Ensure compliance with FAR subcontract cost-analysis requirements.
Apply approved indirect rate structures, including fringe, overhead, material handling, and G&A rates.
Partner with Finance and Accounting to assess forward pricing rates and long-range financial impacts.
Analyze profit objectives, investment requirements, and business-case considerations.
Ensure proposal compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements.
Maintain audit-ready proposal documentation supporting pricing assumptions and methodologies.
Interpret regulatory changes and implement compliant estimating practices.
Support DCAA and DCMA audits, fact-finding sessions, and proposal reviews.
Respond to government questions regarding labor, material, indirect rates, and estimating methodologies.
Prepare analyses and documentation for internal and external audits.
Lead pricing reviews during capture and proposal development.
Present pricing recommendations and risk assessments during Pink Team, Red Team, and executive review sessions.
Advise senior leadership on pricing strategy, win probability, and financial performance considerations.
Mentor pricing analysts and estimators and support continuous process improvement initiatives.