Cost Estimating Specialist I

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems (AR,ME,NE,OH,VT); Saco (ME); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) in Maine seeks a Cost Estimating Specialist I to create cost estimates for proposals, review scopes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate inputs. You will support proposals through internal approvals and customer negotiations, interfacing with government agencies or customers as needed.

The role offers an on-site work environment in Saco, with opportunities for professional growth within a leading defense contractor's

Qualifications

• Associate's degree and 0-3 years' experience or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develops cost estimates for projects based on scope, specs, and proposals using estimating methodologies and tools.
• Analyzes project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service needs.

Skills

Cost Estimation

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Data Analysis

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Construction Estimating Software

ERP Systems

Spreadsheet advanced

Job description

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting‑edge advantage to our warfighters.

Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders.

Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs.

If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high‑performance team!

Cost Estimating Specialist I Job Locations

US-ME-Saco

Requisition ID

2026-36681

Position Type

Full Time

Position Classification

On-Site

Job Function

Finance

Company Overview

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting‑edge advantage to our warfighters.

Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders.

Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs.

If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high‑performance team!

Job Summary

The Cost Estimating Specialist: Creates cost estimates for new business proposals, including reviewing scope of work and project requirements, analyzing historical data, working with other functions to receive functional inputs. Supports proposal through internal approval cycles, and through customer negotiations. Will interface with other internal functions, and may interface with Government agencies, or customers.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

• Requires conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within a job discipline
• Performs routine assignments using existing procedures
• Receives instruction, guidance and direction from more senior level roles
• Entry level to a professional career progression
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

• Develops cost estimates for projects based on work scope, specifications, and contract proposals using applicable estimating methodologies and tools.
• Analyzes project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service requirements.
• Uses benchmark data, trends, prior estimates, and historical pricing schedules to generate detailed cost estimates that consist of itemized lists of expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations.
• Depending on the complexity and type of project, may use different estimating methods, mathematical models, or specialized estimating software tools to generate estimates.

Required Qualifications

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 0-3 years' experience OR Equivalent Combination of Relevant Education &/or Experience
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
• Discipline/Major: Finance or related degree preferred.
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Cost Estimation. Material Requirements Planning. Project Estimation. Requirements Analysis. Spreadsheet advanced. Cost Analysis. Specification Review. Construction Estimating Software. ERP Systems.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Travel Requirements

Up to 25% travel likely.

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The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.