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Job Summary: The Manufacturing Cost Estimation Manager leads the strategic development and coordination of cost modeling and manufacturing planning for machined and fabricated components in support of new defense product development. This role is responsible for developing and standardizing detailed cost estimation models, ensuring accurate labor, material, and overhead calculations, and serving as a cross-functional liaison between engineering, finance, supply chain, and operations. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and competitive proposal pricing throughout the lifecycle of R&D and prototype programs . Essential Functions:

+ Develop, maintain, and present comprehensive manufacturing cost models for machined, welded, and fabricated components.

+ Lead and coordinate cost estimation input for IRAD programs, CRADAs, and proposal efforts in collaboration with engineering, finance, and business development teams.

+ Partner with design and manufacturing teams to implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and ensure cost-effective production strategies.

+ Work with supply chain and program management to evaluate make-buy scenarios, perform should-cost analysis, and support vendor cost assessments.

+ Track and report IRAD and CRADA project budgets, schedule adherence, and technical performance metrics.

+ Perform and document analysis of requirements development and adherence.

+ Provide strategic guidance for manufacturing process development, including routing plans, cycle times, and resource requirements Support the Software Verification team by ensuring software requirements are testable.

+ Lead manufacturing engineering input into new product proposals, bid & proposal packages, and customer cost volumes.

+ Evaluate requirement management tools for their efficiency and viability within the software requirements team.

+ Contribute to long-term technology and manufacturing planning, ensuring cost competitiveness for advanced defense platforms.

+ Mentor junior cost estimators and engineers on best practices for cost modeling and manufacturing analysis.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May lead a small team of manufacturing engineers and cost analysts.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

+ Proficiency with cost modeling, process routings, and manufacturing economics Experience with writing/deriving software level requirements using system/subsystem specifications

+ Working knowledge of CAD tools, PLM (Teamcenter), and ERP/MRP systems.

+ Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to present complex cost data to executives and customers.

+ Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently

+ Familiarity with defense manufacturing requirements and DoD proposal cycles.

+ U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience with defense and military standards (e.g., MIL-STD, DFARS).

+ Experience supporting new product development in a DoD or government-funded environment.

+ Master’s degree or MBA with a focus on operations, engineering, or cost analysis.

+ HIL/SIL experience

+ Exposure to digital manufacturing, model-based definition (MBD), or digital twin strategies.

Education:

+ Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.

Experience:

• May lead a small team of manufacturing engineers and cost analysts.

Background Prerequisites:

+ Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

+ All employment at ARV is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance if the position requires it.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

+ Hazards, tasks, PPE, ergonomic concerns, travel requirements, workspace (close proximity to others)

+ Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally