Acquisition Cost Estimator & Price Analysis

KBR Careers; Beavercreek (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

KBR in Beavercreek, Ohio seeks an Acquisition Cost Estimator & Price Analyst to support the ABMS division across the acquisition lifecycle. The role builds defensible government estimates prior to solicitation and conducts rigorous price/cost evaluations of contractor proposals to ensure realism and reasonableness.

Qualified candidates have a 5+ year background with a related bachelor’s degree, active clearance, and advanced Excel skills. On‑site work with limited travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Journalism, Business Admin, or related technical field with 5+ years’ experience.
• Active Secret Clearance with Top Secret eligibility.
• Working knowledge of FAR Part 15 and FAR Part 31 with advisory‑only role understanding.
• Dual estimating/pricing skills: from forecasting to auditing a contractor’s basis of estimate.
• Advanced Excel modeling: build, audit, and deconstruct pricing models.
• Data normalization: adjust for inflation and learning curves for apples‑to‑apples comparison.
• Objective technical writing: write factual financial findings.

Responsibilities

• Pre‑Solicitation Estimating: Develop, maintain, and defend IGCEs and LCCEs using Parametric, Analogy, and Engineering Build‑Up methodologies.
• Proposal Evaluation (Non‑Negotiator): Conduct Cost Realism, balance and Price Reasonableness analyses per FAR Part 15.
• Technical Advisory Reports: Draft Cost/Price Evaluation Reports and memorandums summarizing findings and risks.
• Rate Verification Support: Coordinate with defense audit agencies to verify Forward Pricing Rate Agreements.
• Risk & Uncertainty Analysis: Run sensitivity and risk analyses on government estimates and contractor prices.

Skills

Excel modeling

FAR Part 15

FAR Part 31

Secret clearance

Cost estimating

IGCE/LCCE

Technical writing

Data normalization

Pricing analysis

Contracting knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Acquisition Cost Estimator & Price Analysis

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high‑end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary

KBR, Inc. is seeking a highly capable and organized Acquisition Cost Estimator & Price Analyst to join our team in Beavercreek, Ohio. This position supports the Contracting Functional Team within Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS) Division under the Department of the Air Force Command, Contral, Communications, and Battle Management Portfolio Acquisition Executive (DAF PAE C3BM). This role will span the entire acquisition lifecycle. Prior to solicitation, the selected professional will build defensible government cost estimates (IGCEs). Post‑solicitation, the professional will assist in the conducting of rigorous price/cost evaluations of incoming contractor proposals to ensure cost/price realism, balance, and reasonableness.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre‑Solicitation Estimating: Develop, maintain, and defend Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) and Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs) using Parametric, Analogy, and Engineering Build‑Up methodologies.
• Proposal Evaluation (Non‑Negotiator): Conduct thorough Cost Realism, balance and Price Reasonableness analyses on contractor proposals in accordance with FAR Part 15. Analyze direct labor, indirect rates (Fringe, Overhead, G&A), and fee structures.
• Technical Advisory Reports: Draft comprehensive Cost/Price Evaluation Reports and technical memorandums summarizing proposal findings, identifying financial risks, and proposing pre‑negotiation objectives to assist the Contracting Officer (CO).
• Rate Verification Support: Coordinate with defense audit agencies (such as DCAA and DCMA) to verify Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRAs) and historical rate data to support the CO’s evaluation.
• Risk & Uncertainty Analysis: Run sensitivity and risk analyses on both government estimates and contractor proposed prices to identify cost drivers and potential cost overruns.

Work Environment

• Location: On‑site
• Travel Requirements: Minimal 0‑20%
• Working Hours: Standard – Core hours 0900 - 1500

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering) with 5+ years’ experience.
• Active Secret Clearance with Top Secret eligibility.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation) and FAR Part 31 (Contract Cost Principles) with a clear understanding of the advisory‑only, non‑warranted role of procurement support contractors.
• Dual Estimating/Pricing Skills: Ability to pivot from generative forecasting (building estimates from scratch) to evaluative analysis (auditing and verifying a contractor’s basis of estimate).
• Advanced Excel Modeling: Expert‑level proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Ability to build, audit, and deconstruct complex pricing models, formulas, and formula‑driven contractor templates.
• Data Normalization: Proven skill in normalizing financial data, adjusting for inflation, and applying learning curves to compare diverse contractor proposals on an “apples‑to‑apples” basis.
• Objective Technical Writing: Ability to write highly objective, fact‑based financial findings that can withstand legal scrutiny and potential bid protests.

Desired

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering) with 3+ years’ experience.
• Clearance Level: Active DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• Certifications: ICEAA (Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst) or NCMA certifications. Completion of Defense Acquisition University (DAU) courses in Cost Estimating (CON 170/CLC 056) or Proposal Evaluation would be a plus.
• Domain Experience: Prior experience working in a dedicated Advisory and Assistance Services (A&A) role supporting a DoD or federal Contracting Activity.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.