Northrop Grumman
Principal Cost Estimating Analyst
Palmdale, CA
Jun 10, 2025
$91,200 - $136,800 a year
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman has an opening for a Level 3 Cost Estimating Analyst to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The Production Operations Estimating / Functional Estimating department uses specialized analysts with high end analytical skills and backgrounds in Manufacturing. All analysts within this group vary in experience but are grown into subject matter experts within operations and cost estimating.
This position will be located on site in Palmdale, CA.
Level 3 analysts are expected to develop solutions to sophisticated problems, which require the regular use of resourcefulness and innovation and review data available. The candidate will use existing models or craft and build estimating models based on the information available and, once complete, be able to communicate efficiently, clearly present technical approaches and findings, and present results to their management.
Essential Functions:

• Estimates labor costs of manufacturing based on requests for proposals (RFP) submitted by prospective customers
• Analyzes specifications, including sketches, blueprints, bills of material, or sample layouts
• Develop high-quality and compliant BOEs (Basis of Estimates) in the BOE tool
• Perform estimating duties and analysis in accordance with recognized industry best practices, specific solicitation, and customer requirements, and in compliance with USG regulatory requirements (FAR, DFARS), and Northrop Grumman procedures
• Prepares and maintains historical labor data
• Ability to successfully communicate across functions and leadership levels, including Executives, to present estimates and recommendations
• Create models and analyze existing and new factors for inclusion in the estimating approach
• Prepares reports and presents findings to management, contract personnel, proposal coordinators and customer representatives
• Support both pre-award and post-award estimating activities in support of program needs
Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience
• Aerospace/defense industry and business management experience
• Working knowledge of government contract environment (FAR and DFARS)
• Experience developing compliant BOEs (Basis of Estimates)
• Experience with Excel
• Must have an Active DoD Secret or higher Clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 5 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access prior to commencement of employment.
• Able to work on site in Palmdale, California
Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Special Program Access
• Knowledge or familiarity of aerospace production operation functions, tasks, and processes
• Experience in pricing, finance, contracts, business and/or business operations
• Experience working with proposals of varying contract types (ex: FFP, FPIF, CPIF, etc.)
• Familiar with Northrop Grumman procedures
• Experience performing Least Square Regression, Pivot Table Analysis, application of Improvement Curves, and advanced formulas
• Operations touch labor improvement curve theory and modeling
• Strong presentation skills
• Experience in communicating technical and theoretical analysis
• Experience in supporting negotiations
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office tools (particularly Excel) specifically performing Least Square Regression, Pivot Table Analysis, and application of Improvement Curves
• In-depth understanding of Manufacturing and Support Labor and how they interact
Salary Range: $91,200.00 - $136,800.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.PDN-9f1e45f8-7915-43b0-b0b8-76e3caf1778a
Job Information
Job Category:
Management
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Principal Cost Estimating Analyst
Northrop Grumman
Palmdale, CA
Jun 10, 2025
$91,200 - $136,800 a year
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