Principal Cost Estimating Analyst

Northrop Grumman

Cost Estimating Analyst involved in developing estimating models for manufacturing costs at Northrop Grumman. Collaborating across teams while analyzing specifications for compliance with industry standards.

Posted 6/10/2026full-timePalmdale • California, Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $81,400 - $141,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Estimates labor costs of manufacturing based on requests for proposals (RFP) submitted by prospective customers
Analyzes specifications, including sketches, blueprints, bills of material, or sample layouts
Develop high-quality and compliant BOEs (Basis of Estimates) in the BOE tool
Perform estimating duties and analysis in accordance with recognized industry best practices, specific solicitation, and customer requirements, and in compliance with USG regulatory requirements (FAR, DFARS), and Northrop Grumman procedures
Prepares and maintains historical labor data
Ability to successfully 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
Prepares reports and presents findings to management, contract personnel, proposal coordinators and customer representatives
Support both pre-award and post-award estimating activities in support of program needs

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 government contract environment (FAR and DFARS)
Experience developing compliant BOEs (Basis of Estimates)
Experience with Excel
Must have an Active DoD Secret or higher Clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 5 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access prior to commencement of employment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

labor cost estimationBasis of Estimates (BOE)data analysiscompliance analysismodel creationreport preparationhistorical data maintenanceestimating dutiesgovernment contractingExcel

Soft Skills

communicationpresentationcross-functional collaborationleadership interactionrecommendation presentation

Certifications

DoD Secret ClearanceSpecial Program Access