Senior Principal Price/Cost Proposal Analyst - Level 4

Relocation assistance may be available. A Secret clearance is required for start; ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance is also required. Travel is expected (10% of the time).

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (NGAS) is seeking a Senior Principal Price/Cost Proposal Analyst Level 4 to support the Strike Division on site at Palmdale, California; Rancho Bernardo, California; or Melbourne, Florida. This role evaluates supplier proposals under multiple contract types—including Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost Type, and Indefinite Delivery and Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)—and provides a fair and reasonable position in a Price/Cost Analysis Report (PCAR). The position collaborates across Contracts, Pricing & Estimating, Engineering, Global Supply Chain, and Program Management to prepare and submit first-time quality, compliant, and on-time PCARs in support of customer commitments and NG’s financial goals.

In addition to PCAR support, the role conducts Quality and Compliance reviews for NG proposals prior to customer submission, focusing on content (Basis of Estimates and Cost Volume), spelling/grammar, and rate verifications/validations, including internal audits of Cost Estimating Factors (CEFs).

Responsibilities

• Evaluates proposals (internal and external) for compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Northrop Grumman requirements.
• Prepares and performs detailed analysis documented in a Price/Cost Analysis Report (PCAR) of supporting documentation to validate labor, material, and other cost elements such as travel, other direct costs (ODCs), rates, escalation, and profit/fee.
• Conducts market research, analyzes historical data, and develops cost estimating models and factors to evaluate price reasonableness and develop negotiation positions.
• Compiles information from periodicals, catalogs, and other sources to stay informed on regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS), price trends, and manufacturing processes.
• Confers with suppliers and analyzes their operations to determine factors affecting prices.
• Participates in fact-finding sessions via telecom or at supplier sites to review Basis of Estimates (BOEs) and source documentation verifying proposal cost estimates.
• Analyzes and audits direct/indirect rates at supplier locations to provide rate recommendations.
• Performs regression analysis to account for learning or quantity variance as required.
• Requests and obtains DCAA Assist Audits where applicable.
• Interfaces with responsible engineers regarding the integration of technical evaluations into the cost analysis.
• Establishes supplier proposed vs. negotiation objective positions by major element of cost to attain formal Supply Chain Management approval for supplier negotiations and prepares presentations summarizing the review.
• Provides negotiation support throughout the subcontract definitization process.
• Maintains all records and supporting data used and provided in support of proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, mathematics, finance, economics, or a related discipline with 8 years of related experience; or a Master’s degree in the stated fields with 6 years of related experience; or 4 years with a PhD in the stated fields.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
• Current or prior Price Cost Analysis experience, including report writing.
• Working knowledge of the Government contracting environment (FAR and DFARS).
• Ability to perform and apply cost accounting, pricing, and estimating concepts and principles.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a challenging, multi-tasking environment while managing multiple proposals with excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance (investigation within the last 5 years) and ability to obtain Special Program Access.
• Familiarity with the concept and application of Cost Improvement Curves.
• Knowledge of Direct and Indirect Rate Proposal and Audit Process.
• Self-starter with the ability to “self-teach” calculations/formulas to enable a more efficient process.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite of products.
• Familiarity with aerospace production operation functions, tasks, and processes.
• DCAA/DCMA Bill of Material and Rate audit experience.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements, including a 9/80 schedule.
• Exceptional healthcare benefits and a great 401K matching program.
• Phenomenal learning opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers.
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• Eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay.
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results.
• Long Term Incentives for eligible employees in Vice President or Director positions.
• Inclusive, family-friendly environment with excellent work/life balance.

Pay

Salary ranges by location:

• Melbourne, FL: $101,400 – $152,200
• Palmdale, CA: $117,500 – $176,300
• Rancho Bernardo, CA: $117,500 – $176,300

The primary salary range is $101,400 – $176,300. Base salary offers consider the scope and responsibilities of the position, as well as the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.