Cost Estimating Manager I

5222064No5313297510.00.028-Apr-2026Cost Estimating Manager IGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Cost Estimating Manager to work within our Airport Business Management (ABM) department. This position is onsite at Flight Operations in Palmdale, CA with flexibility offered by a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off), one remote day per week, and a company rideshare program.

This position is responsible for managing and actively participating in cost estimating activities for urgent capability, middle tier, and major capability acquisitions and contracts at Flight Operations in support of proposals and contracts. The ideal candidate enjoys working cross functionally with stakeholders at each level of the organization, enjoys challenges and changes, and enjoys a intermittent workload.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administers and executes Flight Operations policies and procedures to ensure estimating processes are in compliance 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 through consideration of contract type, program life cycle, and prior related contract performance.
• Manages the Airport Business Management proposal team.
• Assesses 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.
• Manages the Airport Business Management proposal team assigning and reviewing work of staff and ensures assigned deadlines are met.
• 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.
• Participates in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, training, and development of estimators to ensure the availability of the required professional and technical talent.
• 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.
• Additional Functions Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. 54813BRBusiness Development 0% - 25% Full-Time Salary California 81,190Palmdale No145,338Cost Estimating Manager

• 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).

YesManagementYesOnsite