Cost Engineer

Overview Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Cost Volume Lead to drive proposal pricing strategy and cost volume development across national security, civil, and commercial space pursuits. In this role, you will lead all aspects of proposal pricing, cost strategy development, Basis of Estimate (BOE) creation, subcontractor pricing coordination, and cost volume preparation while collaborating closely with capture, finance, contracts, engineering, and executive leadership teams. You will play a critical role in helping Quantum Space win complex and highly competitive opportunities by developing compliant, compelling, and competitive pricing solutions that align customer requirements, business objectives, and mission success. Responsibilities Lead proposal pricing strategy development and cost volume execution across federal, defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial pursuits Develop Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation and supporting cost rationale for labor, material, subcontractor, and indirect cost elements Coordinate subcontractor pricing activities, evaluate cost proposals, and ensure integration into overall pricing strategies Create compliant, compelling, and defensible cost volumes and pricing narratives aligned with solicitation requirements Perform competitive pricing assessments, affordability analyses, and market research to inform bid strategies Develop and maintain pricing models, cost tools, templates, and estimation methodologies Collaborate with capture managers, proposal managers, engineers, program managers, contracts professionals, and finance teams to align pricing with overall pursuit strategy Support proposal reviews, customer discussions, negotiations, audits, fact-finding activities, and pricing inquiries Ensure compliance with solicitation instructions, FAR/DFARS requirements, and applicable government pricing regulations Evaluate cost realism, execution risk, profitability objectives, and pricing competitiveness throughout the proposal lifecycle Support multiple concurrent proposal efforts in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen pricing processes, tools, and organizational capabilities Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Economics, Accounting, or a related field 10+ years of experience supporting federal government proposal pricing and cost volume development Experience developing pricing strategies for cost-reimbursable, fixed-price, Time & Materials (T&M), OTA, and subcontracting environments Strong understanding of government cost realism, price reasonableness, affordability, and source selection evaluation processes Demonstrated experience developing Basis of Estimates (BOEs), pricing narratives, and proposal cost volumes Experience coordinating subcontractor pricing inputs and supporting negotiations, audits, and fact-finding activities Strong financial modeling, cost estimating, analytical, and business case development skills Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills Ability to collaborate effectively across technical, business, and executive teams Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, deadline-driven proposal environment Nice-to-Have Experience Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), AFRL, NASA, NRO, OSD, or other federal space and defense customers Experience pricing aerospace, defense, intelligence, or space-related programs Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program finance, and cost analysis methodologies Experience supporting strategic captures, competitive assessments, and bid/no-bid decisions Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and government contracting regulations Experience supporting proposal efforts involving advanced technology development, spacecraft, launch, or defense systems Experience developing and implementing pricing tools, templates, and process improvements MBA, CPA, CFA, or other relevant professional certifications Benefits Ownership – Lead pricing strategy and cost volume development for mission‑critical opportunities that directly impact company growth. Innovation – Support transformative aerospace and defense programs enabling next‑generation space mobility and operations. Impact – Help shape winning proposals that deliver critical capabilities to national security, civil, and commercial customers. Growth – Join a collaborative team operating at the intersection of strategy, business development, finance, and space technology. Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing. Salary Base Salary: $110,000 to $150,000. The salary range is an estimate based on various compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary. Equity grants are included in most full‑time offers. Additional Requirements To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Employment Opportunity As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr