Manager Pricing Cost Estimating 3

United States-RemotePosted Aug 2, 2026

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: 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 is seeking a Manager, Independent Cost Evaluation (ICE) for our Corporate office, located in Falls Church, VA. Due to this position's requirement for significant travel (up to 35%) to proposal work locations, the candidate may work remotely or from any Northrop Grumman site within the U.S., offering flexibility on work location.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Key member of an independent review team responsible for evaluating the executability and cost realism of proposals that trigger pre-defined review thresholds.
  • This role requires the selected candidate to perform rigorous, unbiased cost assessments using a combination of external industry data, internal program performance data, historical actuals, and data provided by proposal teams.
  • The ICE Manager develops an independent range of cost uncertainty around point estimates provided by proposal teams in conjunction with sector ICE resources to deliver well-substantiated insights to support decision-making on major proposals.
  • Additionally, this role involves contributing to the development of standardized tools, methodologies, and processes for cost assessment across the various sectors.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Manage the independent review process for major proposals, overseeing the development of robust independent cost estimates that assess the executability and realism of proposal team data.
  • Establish and continuously improve standardized methodologies, tools, and frameworks for cost evaluation to enhance consistency and reliability across sectors.
  • Ensure alignment of independent assessments with organizational strategic objectives, presenting findings and providing strategic advice to senior leadership and decision-makers.
  • Direct the preparation and presentation of clear, comprehensive ICE output to internal and external stakeholders, including management, proposal teams, sector leadership, customers, and auditors.
  • Liaise with proposal teams and functional representatives, to ensure the validity and accuracy of data inputs while maintaining a neutral and unbiased stance in evaluations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Possess advanced expertise in cost estimating, independent cost evaluation, and financial analysis.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of best practices in proposal reviews and independent assessments.
  • Use advanced problem-solving techniques and innovative strategies to address complex evaluation challenges.
  • Directly oversee multiple, simultaneous independent cost evaluation projects, delegating tasks and responsibilities appropriately to ensure accuracy and alignment with deadlines.
  • Influence organizational strategy by delivering independent cost evaluations that enhance decision-making on high-value proposals.
  • Frequently interact with senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, conducting high-level briefings and providing expert advisement on cost evaluation matters.

Impact:

  • The Independent Cost Evaluation Manager plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s ability to assess and make informed decisions on high-value proposals. Accurate and thorough independent cost estimates significantly influence resource allocation, competitive positioning, customer satisfaction, and the long-term success of the company.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of related professional experience in pricing, estimating, contracts, global supply chain, business management, or program management; OR a Master’s degree with 6 years of related professional experience as described.
  • Extensive experience supporting pricing and estimating in U.S. Government, commercial, or international proposals.
  • Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and relevant audit standards.
  • Demonstrated experience leading teams or initiatives focused on process improvement and technology modernization for pricing, estimating, or business management functions.
  • Experience presenting and explaining complex information to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership.
  • Ability to travel up to 35% of the time to required sites for reviews.
  • An active DoD Secret Clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Clearance within a reasonable amount of time following hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in engineering or business from an accredited institution.
  • Cross-sector experience is highly desirable.
  • Ten years of relevant experience, including expertise in cost analysis, business management, or operations research, with strong knowledge of quantitative risk techniques, cost and risk modeling, and government contracts.
  • Experience in the aerospace industry.
  • Active or transferable Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $159,500.00 - $239,300.00

The 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.

Want jobs like this matched to you?

SimpleCareer scores fresh postings against your résumé so you only see the matches that matter.

Get started free