Cost Estimator

Fiber Materials, Inc. (FMI); Kennebunkport (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. (FMI) in Maine seeks a Cost Estimator to oversee compliant cost and pricing estimates for aerospace & defense contracts. You will train new estimators, drive tool/process improvements, and lead estimating efforts onsite.

You will work with diverse engineering teams, review drawings and specifications, and prepare detailed estimates while ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS/CAS. Strong analytical and Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of cost estimating and/or data analytics experience.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS/CAS and government contracts.
• Excellent analytical skills and understanding of statistics and variance analysis.
• Ability to assess pricing implications and prepare well-supported estimates.
• Advanced Excel skills with large datasets and complex formulas.

Responsibilities

• Participate in customer discussions to identify requirements and expectations for proposals.
• Contribute to negotiations and help formulate negotiation strategies.
• Lead development and improvement of estimating tools and processes.
• Assist in cost/pricing audits and maintain CLM estimating workflows.
• Prepare cost estimates using ProPricer and create budgets for functional managers.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams on quality, capacity, and resource planning for estimates.
• Ensure estimates comply with FAR/DFARS/CAS and company policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Creative problem solving

Independent work ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ProPricer software

Job description

Job Description

FMI | 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
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS/CAS
• 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 xzgxqkn 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

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

FMI is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.