Senior Cost Estimating Analyst

Intuitive Machines•Palo Alto, CA

9d•$76,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Intuitive Machines - West is seeking a Senior Cost Estimating Analyst to lead cost estimating efforts across its commercial and government portfolio. The position may be based in the Palo Alto, California office or performed remotely within the United States. The role requires strong experience estimating complex aerospace systems and programs, using parametric modeling, engineering build-up, and analogy-based methods. The analyst develops accurate estimates, bases of estimates, and work breakdown structures, and supports new business pursuits and program execution for commercial and government contracts. The analyst works with program management, engineering, finance, and contracts teams to align technical solutions and cost estimates. The role includes preparing submission-ready cost documentation, developing and maintaining estimating models and relationships, supporting production cost analyses, presenting estimates to leadership, improving estimating processes, and supporting government audit reviews when required. Applicable government estimating work must comply with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and other relevant regulations. Intuitive Machines - West provides space technologies and solutions to government and commercial customers, including mission systems engineering, product design, spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, Mathematics, or a related technical field; four additional years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
At least 5 years of cost estimating experience in aerospace, defense, or a related technical industry.
Experience developing cost estimates for complex hardware and/or software systems.
Experience with multiple cost estimating methodologies, including parametric, analogy-based, and engineering build-up approaches.
Experience creating work breakdown structures, bases of estimates, and supporting cost documentation.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in engineering, finance, business, or a related domain.
10 or more years of cost estimating experience for aerospace or satellite systems.
Experience with SEER-H, TruePlanning, or similar parametric cost estimating software.
Experience developing and calibrating parametric cost estimating relationships using historical data.
Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, and TINA for government contract cost estimating.
Experience with commercial and government cost estimating, including DoD, NASA, or Intelligence Community work.
Experience with ProPricer or other government proposal pricing software.
Experience with learning curve theory and its application to production cost estimates.
Experience presenting to and supporting senior leadership decision-making.
Track record of supporting successful commercial and government proposal wins.
Ability to work actively as part of a team under pressure and manage multiple concurrent estimates.
Organization, attention to detail, and ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy and quality.
Creativity in solving complex estimating challenges with limited data.
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical requirements into accurate estimates.
Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, especially Excel, including complex formulas, macros, and data analysis.
Strong communication skills for explaining estimating methods and results to technical and business stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead cost estimating efforts for spacecraft systems, subsystems, and components across commercial and government programs.
Analyze RFPs, SOWs, TRDs, and other proposal documentation to develop cost estimates.
Coordinate with program management, engineering, finance, and contracts teams to align technical solutions with estimates.
Create engineering build-up estimates with technical teams, accounting for labor, materials, and other direct costs.
Prepare submission-ready estimate documentation, including BOEs, BOMs, WBSs, and cost volumes.
Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and other government regulations when applicable.
Develop detailed parametric cost estimates using tools such as SEER-H or TruePlanning.
Develop and maintain parametric cost estimating relationships using historical data and industry benchmarks.
Develop learning-curve analyses and assess production-rate impacts for recurring spacecraft production.
Present estimates and estimating methodologies to executive leadership.
Improve estimating processes, tools, databases, and parametric models.
Support government agency audit reviews when required, ensuring transparency and adherence to cost estimating policies.