Cost Estimator

Aspenational; Old Orchard Beach (ME); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ETO days

Holidays

Medical benefits

401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

FMI in Maine is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to oversee and prepare compliant cost and pricing estimates for aerospace and defense contracts. You will train junior staff, lead process improvements, and work onsite with cross-functional teams on complex proposals.

The role emphasizes strong analytical skills, familiarity with ProPricer, and adherence to government regulations. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or similar discipline.
• 3–5 years of cost estimating and/or data analytics experience.
• Strong analytical skills with understanding of statistics and variance analysis.
• Ability to assess pricing implications and prepare well-supported estimate positions.
• Advanced Excel skills with large data sets, multiple workbooks, and complex formulas.
• Familiarity with ERP concepts and manufacturing data (e.g., BOMs).

Responsibilities

• Participate in customer discussions to identify requirements and expectations for proposals.
• Assist in negotiations and formulate negotiation strategies to meet objectives.
• Lead improvements for estimating tools, processes, and EAC analyses.
• Support DCMA audits related to cost/pricing.
• Review drawings and technical docs to prepare estimates.
• Prepare cost estimates using ProPricer and generate budgets for management.
• 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

Variance analysis

Excel advanced

Cross-functional

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ProPricer

ERP systems

MS Office

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 - Senior 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 - Senior, 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 - Senior 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 - Senior 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