Principal Cost Estimating Analyst

Northrop Grumman • Palmdale, CA

11d • $81,400 - $141,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Level 3 Cost Estimating Analyst for its Production Operations Estimating / Functional Estimating department. The team uses specialized analysts with strong analytical skills and manufacturing backgrounds, developing them into subject matter experts in operations and cost estimating. This role is based onsite in Palmdale, California, or Melbourne, Florida.

The analyst develops solutions to sophisticated estimating problems using resourcefulness, innovation, and available data. They use existing models or build estimating models, then clearly communicate technical approaches, findings, and results to management. The role supports pre-award and post-award estimating activities and requires an active DoD Secret or higher clearance, with the stated background investigation or Continuous Evaluation status. The candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain Special Program Access before employment begins.

The position requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and three years of relevant experience. The listed salary bands are $81,400–$122,000 in Florida and $94,200–$141,200 in California, with a primary level range of $81,400–$141,200. The specific offer depends on factors including position scope, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Aerospace/defense industry and business management experience.
• Working knowledge of the government contract environment, including FAR and DFARS.
• Experience developing compliant Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Experience with Excel.
• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance, with a background investigation completed within the last 5 years or current enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access before commencement of employment.
• Ability to work onsite in Palmdale, California, or Melbourne, Florida.

Nice To Haves

• Active Special Program Access.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with aerospace production operations functions, tasks, and processes.
• Experience in pricing, finance, contracts, business, or business operations.
• Experience working with proposals of varying contract types, such as FFP, FPIF, and CPIF.
• Familiarity with Northrop Grumman procedures.
• Experience performing least-squares regression, pivot table analysis, applying improvement curves, and using advanced formulas.
• Knowledge of operations touch-labor improvement-curve theory and modeling.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Experience communicating technical and theoretical analysis.
• Experience supporting negotiations.
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, including least-squares regression, pivot table analysis, and applying improvement curves.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing and support labor and how they interact.

Responsibilities

• Estimate manufacturing labor costs based on requests for proposals submitted by prospective customers.
• Analyze specifications, including sketches, blueprints, bills of material, and sample layouts.
• Develop high-quality, compliant Basis of Estimates (BOEs) using the BOE tool.
• Perform estimating duties and analysis in accordance with industry best practices, solicitation and customer requirements, USG regulatory requirements (FAR and DFARS), and Northrop Grumman procedures.
• Prepare and maintain historical labor data.
• Communicate across functions and leadership levels, including executives, to present estimates and recommendations.
• Create models and analyze existing and new factors for inclusion in the estimating approach.
• Prepare reports and present findings to management, contract personnel, proposal coordinators, and customer representatives.
• Support pre-award and post-award estimating activities in support of program needs.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
• Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.
• Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for long-term incentives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior