Government Proposal Manager / Cost Estimator (Chelmsford, MA · On-site · Full-time, permanent · $90,000–$100,000)
A defense electronics manufacturer is seeking a Government Proposal Manager / Cost Estimator to lead timely, accurate, and compliant responses to government RFPs and customer RFQs. You'll manage the estimating team, own pricing strategy and the estimating system, and partner with senior leadership on business growth.
Required: DoD/government proposal experience OR electronics manufacturing experience (box builds, PCBs, CCAs, cable harness).
Relocation is not available; local candidates preferred. Visa sponsorship is not available.
What you'll do:
- Lead full RFP responses from release through submission: kickoff, schedule, writing assignments, and final production
- Drive pricing strategy for major government and OEM bids, including price-to-win, contract type (FFP, CPFF, T&M), and profit/fee objectives
- Ensure proposals comply with FAR Part 15, FAR Part 31, and DFARS; prepare certified cost or pricing data when required
- Review and approve bid packages, costed BOMs, and pricing; price ECOs, REAs, and contract modifications
- Maintain a compliant estimating system, forward pricing rates, and the historical cost database, using estimate-vs-actual analysis to sharpen future bids
- Support negotiations with contracting officers and primes, plus DCAA/DCMA audits
- Hire, train, and develop cost estimators; present win/loss and margin analysis to leadership
- Safeguard proprietary pricing data and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
What you bring:
- DoD/government proposal experience, or electronics manufacturing experience with box builds, PCBs, CCAs, or cable harnesses (required)
- Working knowledge of TINA, FAR Part 31, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and DCAA audit processes
- Ability to read electrical blueprints and specifications; understanding of backplanes, CCAs, cables, harnesses, and box builds
- Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills; advanced Excel
- Ability to handle CUI and meet the position's eligibility requirements
- Bachelor's in business, finance, accounting, or engineering, or 5 years' related experience; Navy contracting experience a plus
Pay: $90,000–$100,000 per year. Full-time, permanent, on-site in Chelmsford, MA. Equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
