Proposal & Pricing Estimator I/II - AI

Ahtna, Inc.; Anchorage (AK); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahtna, Inc. in Anchorage, Alaska, invites applications for a Proposal & Pricing Estimator within the Proposals & Pricing group. The role supports the development of cost proposals for government solicitations and builds robust cost models and work breakdown structures to ensure competitive, compliant submissions.

At Level I, you assist with defined components under guidance; at Level II, you refine models, contribute to strategy, and help prepare complete, compliant proposals for submission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; education may be substituted with experience 1:1.
• Experience supporting cost estimating or pricing activities for proposals.
• Working knowledge of FAR, DCAA/DCMA requirements.
• Ability to interpret solicitation pricing instructions and submission requirements.
• Experience developing labor rates, cost allocations, and indirect rate application.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors for pricing inputs.

Responsibilities

• Gathers, analyzes cost data to support government cost proposals.
• Develops competitive pricing solutions using templates, tools, and methodologies.
• Applies and modifies existing work breakdown structures to reflect solicitation changes.
• Develops cost elements for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Populates CLIN/SubCLIN cost elements per pricing structures.
• Participates in proposal reviews to build pricing proficiency.
• Collaborates with pricing leadership to meet proposal timelines.
• Mentors junior estimators and refines pricing processes.
• Supports development of complete, compliant proposals from start to finish.

Skills

Cost estimating

Pricing

Financial analysis

Proposal development

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

SharePoint

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

SharePoint

Job description

AK110
Anchorage Corporate Office
110 W 38th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99503, USA

Description

Summary

The Proposal & Pricing Estimator supports the development of accurate, compliant, and well‑structured cost proposals in response to government and other formal solicitations. Working within the Proposals & Pricing functional group, this position contributes to the creation and maintenance of cost models, financial spreadsheets, and work breakdown structures used to support competitive proposal submissions.

At the Estimator I level, the role focuses on supporting defined components of cost proposals, participating in proposal reviews, and building foundational estimating and pricing skills under guidance from senior team members. At the Estimator II level, the role assumes increased responsibility for developing and refining cost models and work breakdown structures, participating more actively in proposal strategy and reviews, and contributing to the preparation of complete, current, accurate, and compliant cost proposals from initial development through final submission.

Both levels collaborate closely with pricing leadership and cross‑functional partners to support proposal quality, consistency, and adherence to applicable requirements, with scope, complexity, and independence progressing by level.

The salary range for this position is dependent upon the level:

Level I: $86,189-$125,835/year

Level II: $107,265-$159,286/year

This position comes with a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 3% match, paid time off (PTO), and company-paid holidays.

This position will be posted for 5 days or until filled.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Gathers, compiles, and analyzes cost data to support service‑based cost proposals in response to government RFPs.
• Supports the development of competitive and cost‑effective pricing solutions using established templates, tools, and methodologies.
• Applies and modifies existing work breakdown structures to reflect solicitation requirements and amendment changes.
• Develops cost elements for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other pricing components under guidance.
• Populates assigned CLIN/SubCLIN cost elements in accordance with established pricing structures.
• Participates in proposal reviews to build estimating and pricing proficiency.
• Collaborates with pricing leadership and proposal team members to meet proposal timelines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Independently gathers, develops, and analyzes cost data to support complex service‑based cost proposals.
• Develops competitive pricing approaches and detailed cost models aligned with solicitation requirements.
• Builds and refines work breakdown structures from the ground up, including staffing models, cost allocations, and CLIN/SubCLIN distributions.
• Applies judgment in interpreting workload data, pricing instructions, and amendment impacts.
• Assists in refining standardized pricing tools, models, and estimating processes.
• Participates actively in proposal strategy discussions and pricing reviews.
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to junior estimators.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision

No supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
  • Education may be substituted for experience on a 1:1 basis.
• Experience supporting cost estimating or pricing activities for proposals or similar cost modeling efforts.
• Working knowledge of applicable pricing and labor regulations, including the Service Contract Act, Collective Bargaining Agreements, Davis‑Bacon Act, Defense Base Act, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and DCAA/DCMA requirements.
• Ability to interpret solicitation pricing instructions, including deliverables, workload data, attachments, and written submission requirements.
• Experience supporting the development of labor rates, cost allocations, recovery of other direct costs, and application of indirect rates.
• Ability to write, review, and edit compliant and responsive cost narratives using Microsoft Word.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Level I

• Four (4) years of experience supporting cost estimating, pricing, financial analysis, or proposal development efforts.
• Basic to intermediate understanding of work breakdown structures and how costs are reflected within pricing models.
• Experience supporting assigned portions of cost proposals using established pricing templates, tools, and methodologies.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors to obtain pricing inputs, including proposed labor rates and cost data.

Level II

• Seven (7) years of progressive experience developing cost estimates and pricing models for proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop complete cost models, including work breakdown structures, labor rates, cost allocations, indirect rate application, and recovery of other direct costs.
• Demonstrated understanding of workload data and its application to building detailed and compliant work breakdown structures.
• Experience coordinating with and directing subcontractors in the development of labor rates and associated cost elements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or estimating databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Experience supporting cost estimate development for federal, state, or commercial procurements, including service‑based and operations‑focused environments (e.g., operations and maintenance, logistics, security, facilities, or similar).
• Working knowledge of the federal procurement process, including common federal solicitation structures, FAR principles, and interactions with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).
• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of peers within a pricing or estimating environment.
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures.

Shareholder Preference

Pursuant to applicable law, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendents, and Spouses in all phases of employment.

Core Competencies

• Quality & Attention to Detail – Maintains a high standard of accuracy, consistency, and professional presentation across pricing models, cost proposals, and supporting cost or pricing data.
• Organization & Deadline Management – Effectively manages multiple concurrent pricing tasks and proposal priorities while consistently meeting schedule and submission deadlines.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Exercises sound judgment in analyzing requirements, resolving pricing issues, and identifying risks or improvements that enhance proposal quality and compliance.
• Technology & Tools Proficiency – Demonstrates strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and proposal support tools, including Excel‑based cost models, content libraries, and tracking systems.
• Proposal Interpretation & Compliance Awareness – Demonstrates an ability to interpret solicitation instructions, workload assumptions, and submission requirements to support accurate, responsive, and compliant pricing outputs.
• Cost Modeling & Pricing Discipline – Applies structured pricing methodologies, work breakdown concepts, and rate development practices to support defensible and well‑documented cost proposals.

Physical Demands

Frequent sitting, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, talking, hearing, and seeing (up close, at a distance, along the periphery, with depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus), occasional walking or standing, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Work is performed in an office environment, may be subject to temperature and noise level changes.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 to 5:00, may vary based upon business needs

MS Office

Intermediate

Bachelors or better in Finance or related field.

Experience

4 years:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.o Education may be substituted for experience on a 1:1 basis.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Experience supporting cost estimating or pricing activities for proposals or similar cost modeling.
• Level I Four (4) years of experience supporting cost estimating, pricing, financial analysis, or proposal development efforts.
• Level II Seven (7) years of progressive experience developing cost estimates and pricing models for proposals.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.