Pricing and Proposal Analyst (ARL)

Penn State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Pricing and Proposal Analyst to join the ARL Business Services Office. The role focuses on cost estimating, preparing compliant proposal packages, and meeting deadlines for federal and industry sponsors.

ARL emphasizes supporting researchers and staff through budget development, export controls, and process improvements while collaborating with central units as needed. This position is based within the U.S. and offers hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 1+ year of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Experience in cost estimating, budgeting, and financial analysis is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Search for, obtain, and distribute funding opportunities and maintain data.
• Collaborate on solicitations (RFA, RFP, RFQ) and coordinate with central offices.
• Develop, finalize, and approve proposal budgets and cost sharing.
• Assist faculty with proposal preparation and sponsor compliance.
• Prepare and review budget documents for award modifications.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Cost estimating

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle E‑Business Suite

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location a hybrid on-site/work from home, or fully remote, dependent on skillset and location, within the U.S. Questions related to flexible work should bedirected to the hiring manager during the interview process.

We are searching for a Pricing and Proposal Analyst to join our Business Services Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.ARL Business Services enables and facilitates the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of ARL by providing efficient and high-quality contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities to all ARL programs.

This role provides ARL researchers and technical staff comprehensive proposal development support with cost estimating, preparing and reviewing compliant proposal packages, and managing deadlines to ensure timely, accurate submissions for a variety of federal and industry sponsors. This role also contributes to process improvement initiatives, including supporting the design, enhancement, and testing of web-based automated proposal systems.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

You will:

• Search for, obtain, and distribute funding opportunities utilizing expertise database; maintain database information
• Collaborate with college/unit offices on funding opportunities requiring special handling such as limited submissions, RFA (Request for Application), RFP (Request for Proposal), ITQ (Intent to Qualify) and other solicitations
• Liaison with Office of Sponsored Programs, ORP (Office of Research Protection), Office of Technology Management (OTM), Risk Management or other central units as needed to support proposal development
• Lead and/or participate in meetings with faculty or department heads on funding opportunities, team formation and responses to opportunities; explain procedures, forms and formats, definitions, and other requirements for the preparation and submission of proposals
• Provide recommendations to improve proposal success rate and effectiveness of award management
• Prioritize timelines/schedules through interpretation of potential funding opportunities and hold proposal team accountable
• Assist faculty or others with proposal preparation through reviewing sponsor and University guidelines and submission requirements
• Develop, finalize and/or approve proposal budget and cost share; prepare required forms, representations and certifications, and budget justification; obtain cost share approvals
• Be responsible for major components of nearly all facets of budget activities; participate in the conceptual development of the various budget processes and specifications for projects
• Contribute to budget and resource data analysis; gather, compile, and manipulate data
• Prepare requests for advance project definitions, WBSEs, and other budget set up actions
• Prepare and submit budget documents for award modifications and revisions and other budget adjustments
• Participate in meetings with Office of Sponsored Programs and unit administration concerning export control, publication restrictions, and other potential risks; initiate follow up on sign-offs and monitor process
• Resolve issues and implement solutions; initiate process improvements to address systemic roadblocks
• Collect, organize, research, and analyze information and data to prepare proposals
• Process, enter, review, update, and verify data within a database, software system, or application

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Cost estimating, budgeting, and financial analysis
• Managing or being part of a team that manages multiple projects and tasks with strict deadlines
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully in various forms of communication to others in order to provide understanding
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and adjust quickly and effectively to changing priorities and demands of a fast-paced environment
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Commercial Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP or Oracle e-Business Suite
• Reviewing and understanding formal Request For Quotations (RFQs, RFPs, RFIs, etc.) and other sponsor requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu .

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $62,304.00 - $93,504.00.

Salary Structure- Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.