Cost/Price Analyst(Aerospace/Defense)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost/Pricing Analyst to support complex cost accounting, pricing analysis, proposal development, and contract negotiation activities within a manufacturing environment.

This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting historical and estimated cost data to develop competitive and economically feasible bids and proposals. The Senior Cost/Pricing Analyst will evaluate manufacturing costs, assess profitability, perform risk analyses, and provide pricing recommendations to management.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in manufacturing cost analysis, government contract pricing, TINA proposals, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

This role will also support government audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional projects while serving as a subject matter expert in cost and pricing activities.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Financial Analysis

• Apply cost accounting principles to collect, evaluate, and analyze complex historical and estimated cost data.

• Analyze production cost performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.

• Determine the costs of complex products and services using historical and estimated operational data.

• Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs.

• Evaluate cost trends, financial performance, and operational data to identify potential risks and opportunities.

• Analyze proposed changes in manufacturing methods, materials, and processes.

• Conduct make-or-buy analyses for major components.

• Prepare financial analyses and management reports identifying factors affecting product pricing and profitability.

Pricing Strategy & Proposal Development

• Develop competitive and economically feasible bids, estimates, and cost proposals.

• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns, pricing justifications, and supporting documentation.

• Utilize historical data, program knowledge, and complex databases to support pricing decisions.

• Identify key cost drivers and factors influencing pricing strategies.

• Analyze cost data to determine projected profits, potential losses, and financial risks.

• Perform risk assessments and recommend pricing strategies to management.

• Support pricing activities for new and continuing business opportunities.

• Prepare and support Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA) proposals, as required.

Contract Negotiations & Government Compliance

• Support contract negotiations by providing detailed cost and pricing analyses.

• Represent the organization in pricing discussions and negotiations to protect profitability objectives.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and other pricing laws, regulations, and guidelines.

• Apply knowledge of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

• Support government audits involving pricing policies, procedures, and supporting financial documentation.

• Work with government agencies and auditors, including:

  • Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)

  • Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

  • Military and other government representatives

• Respond to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.

Manufacturing Cost Analysis

• Evaluate manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, and assembly processes to determine cost implications.

• Analyze material, labor, and production costs associated with products and services.

• Review standard versus actual production costs and investigate variances.

• Evaluate manufacturing processes and proposed operational changes to identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and finance teams to develop accurate cost estimates.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare specialized reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing complex financial and operational information.

• Provide management with cost trends, forecasts, profitability analyses, and pricing recommendations.

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating, pricing, and cost accounting processes.

• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

• Recommend process improvements based on financial analysis and business performance.

• Participate in cross-functional and interdivisional projects.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a primary contact for high-level cost and pricing projects.

• Establish project goals, objectives, and deliverables.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business and pricing initiatives.

• Provide technical guidance and specialized knowledge to team members.

• Train and mentor less experienced employees, as needed.

• Represent the pricing team in interdivisional projects, analyses, and government audits.

• Communicate complex financial information and recommendations to senior management.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and business information.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 6 years of related experience in cost accounting, pricing analysis, estimating, or a comparable financial discipline.

• Experience developing and evaluating cost estimates and pricing proposals for new and existing business opportunities.

• Experience supporting government contract proposals, including TINA proposals and government audits.

Cost Accounting & Government Contracting

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, laws, and regulations.

• Strong understanding of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and/or Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

• Experience analyzing manufacturing costs, standard costs, actual costs, and profitability.

• Ability to develop complex cost estimates and pricing proposals.

• Experience evaluating cost structures, financial risks, and pricing strategies.

• Familiarity with government audit requirements, including DCMA and DCAA.

Manufacturing & Technical Knowledge

• Advanced understanding of manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, and assembly processes.

• Ability to evaluate manufacturing cost drivers and operational efficiencies.

• Experience analyzing material, labor, and production costs.

• Ability to interpret complex financial reports, cost estimates, and pricing documentation.

Systems & Software

• Proficiency with automated estimating, pricing, and accounting systems.

• Advanced spreadsheet and database application skills.

• Proficiency with standard business software applications.

• Ability to analyze and organize large volumes of complex financial and operational data.

Analytical & Communication Skills

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to interpret complex estimates, pricing proposals, and financial reports.

• Ability to identify problems, collect relevant data, evaluate findings, and recommend solutions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to prepare professional reports and business correspondence.

• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members, management, and external stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and high-impact projects.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or government-contract manufacturing environments.

• Direct experience preparing TINA-compliant cost proposals.

• Experience supporting DCMA, DCAA, or military audits.

• Extensive knowledge of CAS and FAR regulations.

• Experience with complex manufacturing cost estimating and pricing systems.

• Previous experience leading pricing initiatives or mentoring junior analysts.

• Experience supporting government contract negotiations and profitability assessments.