Cost Estimator

Fiber Materials; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

16 ETO days

12 paid holidays

Medical / Dental / Vision

401k Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Fiber Materials Inc. seeks a Cost Estimator to oversee and prepare compliant cost and pricing estimates for aerospace and defense contracts. You will lead proposals, analyze data, and coach junior estimators, with onsite focus. Collaboration across engineering and finance is essential.

Responsibilities include supporting audits, refining estimating processes, and driving strategic direction for pricing tools. Strong Excel and ERP skills are required, with FAR/DFARS/CAS familiarity beneficial.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or similar/relevant discipline.
• 3-5 years of cost estimating and/or data analytics experience.
• Excellent analytical skills including statistics and variance analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills with large data sets and complex formulas.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple estimates and tasks; able to communicate well with others.
• Understanding of manufacturing concepts and ERP functionality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in customer discussions to identify requirements and expectations for proposals.
• Assist in negotiations and develop strategies to meet company objectives.
• Provide strategic direction for pricing tools and processes used in proposal preparation and EAC reviews.
• Support DCMA audits with cost/pricing activities.
• Review and improve estimating processes and CLM system metrics for continuous improvement.
• Prepare cost estimates using ProPricer and generate budgets for managers.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Data analytics

Variance analysis

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ProPricer

ERP systems

Job description

Fiber Materials Inc. | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles.

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles.

Your role: FMI is seeking a Cost Estimator is responsible for overseeing and preparing fully compliant cost and pricing estimates in response to customer solicitations related to FMI’s core aerospace, defense contracts and advanced materials technology development programs. As the Cost Estimator , you shall engage in accurate and concise communication while working with a wide range of people and engineering disciplines. You will have the opportunity to train and coach new estimators and cost analysts in the processes of the role. The Cost Estimator will also take a lead role in planning strategic direction for the group by seeking out new tools within or in addition to the software that is in use and define and/or improve processes with how the tools are used. Please be aware the Cost Estimator position is primarily needed onsite.

Job Responsibilities

• Actively participating in customer discussion to identify requirements and expectations of a proposal in addition to the stated RFP/SOW
• Participates in fact-finding and contract negotiations and assisting in the formulation of negotiation strategies to meet company objectives.
• Provide strategic direction for growth and improvement of analysis and pricing tools and processes used in preparation of proposals and review of the EAC (Estimate at Complete) process
• Provide assistance in cost/pricing government DCMA Audits
• Review and provide guidance for maintenance on estimating process flows in CLM systems for metrics and continuous improvement opportunities
• Participates as a proposal team member and cost volume leader
• Review and understand drawings, technical documents, and product/customer specifications in order to prepare estimates
• Proposals may include simple to complex accumulations of inputs from functional business areas
• Prepares cost estimates using ProPricer software and generates budgets to distribute to functional managers
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to understand and address quality requirements, scheduling capacity, and resource planning in preparation of estimates
• Works within the guidance of USG regulations (FAR/DFARS/CAS), and company policies and procedures in the preparation of cost estimates
• Provides supporting data for and participates in proposal reviews with upper management
• Track program performance using ERP extracted data and dashboards
• Update timekeeping software to ensure accuracy of charges by all employees
• Preparing cost impact analysis reports upon request
• Maintaining forecasts for labor hours based on proposal activity
• Plans and coordinating estimating strategies for development and production programs

What we need from you

• Bachelor’s degree in an Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or similar/relevant discipline
• 3-5 years of relevant cost estimating and/or data analytics experience
• Excellent analytical skills including good understanding of statistical concepts and variance analysis
• Ability to assess the implications of available information on pricing and prepare well supported estimate positions
• Advanced skills in EXCEL to include working with multiple workbooks, large data sets, statistics, and advanced formulas
• Intermediate skills in other MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Understanding of basic accounting practices and manufacturing concepts, such as bills of material, ERP functionality, etc.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assigned estimates and tasks; must work well with and communicate well with others.
• Able to interface with all levels of employees, management and within industry and customer communities at a commensurate level
• Creative problem solver
• Results oriented with strong attention to detail

Preferred

• Certifications through AACE
• Familiar with ProPricer software
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS/CAS

What you'll get from us

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
• Medical / Dental / Vision
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000-$120,000 dependent on experience