Principal Cost Estimating Analyst

Northrop Grumman

. Estimate manufacturing labor costs based on requests for proposals (RFPs) .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $81,400 - $141,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in estimating manufacturing labor costs and developing compliant Basis of Estimates (BOEs) while adhering to industry best practices and government regulations. Proficient in analyzing specifications and presenting findings to various stakeholders, including executives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Estimating Manufacturing Labor CostsDeveloping Compliant BOEsFAR and DFARS KnowledgeExcel ProficiencyAerospace/Defense Industry Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Basis of Estimates (BOEs)Estimating ModelsLeast Square RegressionPivot Table AnalysisImprovement CurvesAdvanced FormulasManufacturing Labor AnalysisPricing and ContractsOperations Touch Labor Improvement Curve TheoryTechnical Analysis Communication

Soft Skills

Strong Presentation SkillsEffective Communication

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office

Certifications & Qualifications

Active DoD Secret ClearanceSpecial Program Access

Industry Keywords

Aerospace Production OperationsGovernment Contract EnvironmentProposal DevelopmentContract Types (FFP, FPIF, CPIF)Northrop Grumman Procedures

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Estimate manufacturing labor costs based on requests for proposals (RFPs)
Analyze specifications, including sketches, blueprints, bills of material, and sample layouts
Develop compliant BOEs (Basis of Estimates) in the BOE tool
Perform estimating and analysis according to industry best practices, solicitations, customer requirements, FAR, DFARS, and company 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 estimating approaches
Prepare reports and present findings to management, contract personnel, proposal coordinators, and customer representatives
Support pre-award and post-award estimating activities
Develop solutions to sophisticated problems using existing or newly built estimating models
Present technical approaches, findings, and results to management

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 BOEs (Basis of Estimates)
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 prior to commencement of employment
Ability to work on site in Palmdale, California or Melbourne, Florida
Knowledge or familiarity of aerospace production operation functions, tasks, and processes
Experience in pricing, finance, contracts, business and/or business operations
Experience with proposals of varying contract types, including FFP, FPIF, and CPIF
Familiarity with Northrop Grumman procedures
Experience with least square regression, pivot table analysis, improvement curves, and advanced formulas
Operations touch labor improvement curve theory and modeling
Strong presentation skills
Experience communicating technical and theoretical analysis
Experience supporting negotiations
Intermediate Microsoft Office experience, particularly Excel
In-depth understanding of manufacturing and support labor and how they interact
U.S. Citizenship is required for positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus may apply
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business