Cost Estimating Manager

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars. They are seeking a Cost Estimating Manager to join their Airport Business Management (ABM) department. The position is based in Palmdale, CA with a flexible 9/80 schedule.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers and executes Flight Operations policies and procedures to ensure estimating processes are compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participates in and facilitates the accomplishment of Flight Operations cost estimating objectives.
• Advises the Proposal Manager and Flight Operations management regarding potential estimate risks.
• Manages the creation of cost estimates considering contract type, program life cycle, and prior related contract performance.
• Manages the Airport Business Management proposal team.
• Affirms the impacts of quantity, phasing, schedule, operations tempo (OPTEMPO), and various elements influencing the estimating structure.
• Leads the development of and monitors the implementation of cost standards and cost estimation processes using organizational change management practices and techniques.
• Provides counsel to Flight Operations management on cost estimating issues relating to government and commercial proposals and contracts.
• Ensures cost estimating policies and procedures are effective and efficient, in compliance with appropriate laws and regulations and meet company objectives.
• Manages and participates in cost estimating activities utilizing various estimating techniques for contract change orders and contract estimates.
• Establishes estimating ground rules, assumptions, Basis of Estimate (BOE), and learning curves for use in cost estimating assignments.
• Maintains, analyzes, updates, and develops appropriate electronic databases and hard copy reports and records.
• May develop new or revise existing electronic databases or hard copy systems and makes internal and external presentations.
• Manages the Airport Business Management proposal team assigning and reviewing work of staff and ensures assigned deadlines are met.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• May develop new or revise existing electronic databases or hard copy systems and makes internal and external presentations.
• Manages the Airport Business Management proposal team assigning and reviewing work of staff and ensures assigned deadlines are met.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a related discipline and six or more years of progressive professional cost estimating experience, preferably with a defense contractor.
• Equivalent professional cost estimating experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of cost estimating concepts and principles, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) and related governmental rules and regulations; and, experience demonstrating a broad application of those principles, concepts, and practices.
• Must be able to plan, organize, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established milestones with experience in project leadership.
• Must be customer focused.
• Must possess the ability to identify issues and develop solutions to a variety of problems of diverse scope.
• Must possess strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills to accurately document, report, and present cost estimating findings to a variety of audiences including project/proposal management and customers.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Must possess the ability to initiate, plan, and lead a team of cost estimators on projects.
• Must possess the ability to represent the organization as a primary contact on cost related matters.
• Must possess strong computer skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours and travel as required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Prior experience in cost estimating with a defense contractor.
• Prior experience supervising, managing, and leading estimating staff.
• Prior experience defining Ground Rules and Assumptions (GR&A).
• Prior experience interfacing with audit agencies such as the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) or the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).