Cost Estimating Analyst

Title: Cost Estimating Analyst Company: Privately Held Technology Solutions Company Compensation: $80,000 to $95,000 base + discretionary bonus + strong benefits package As a Cost Estimating Analyst, you'll transform complex technical, financial, and operational inputs into clear models that guide business decisions. This is a highly collaborative, front-facing position where you'll work closely with engineering, supply chain, and program teams to validate assumptions, identify risk, and build estimates that leadership can trust. You'll begin with smaller change orders, but with mentorship from a senior program-finance leader, you'll rapidly grow toward owning full proposals from start to finish. If you're analytical, curious, and eager to develop deep expertise in cost estimating, this role offers a strong growth track. What You'll Do • Build, validate, and document cost models aligned to WBS structures and proposal requirements. • Challenge assumptions, pressure-test inputs, and ensure timing, scope, and cashflow estimates are realistic. • Translate RFPs, milestones, and risk data into financial outputs, including cashflow forecasts, P&Ls, and review packages. • Collaborate with engineering, program management, supply chain, and contracts to gather accurate data. • Participate in estimate reviews alongside senior leadership; grow into presenting your own estimates. • Contribute to continuous improvement of cost-estimating tools, templates, and processes. What You Bring • 3-5+ years in cost estimating, pricing, financial analysis, or related experience (government or complex RFP experience strongly preferred). • Advanced Excel skills - you can build, audit, and troubleshoot models confidently. • A critical, curious mindset - you verify numbers rather than accepting them at face value. • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain assumptions and methodology. • Degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related field preferred, though relevant experience is equally valued. • Comfort working under tight deadlines and shifting priorities. • Bonus: experience with ERP/CRM systems (e.g., NetSuite, Salesforce) or working with international RFPs. Location Fully remote. San Diego based with occasional domestic travel for training or proposal work. Eligible states include: AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, SC, TX, VA, WA. Compensation • Compensation varies based on experience, skills, and location. • Incentive plan, health benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with match, and PTO included. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Apply tot his job