Cost and Schedule Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

3d•$100,300 - $150,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. The Strategic and Programmatic Assessments (SPA) Division of the Civil Systems Group (CSG) conducts independent cost, schedule, and technical assessments along with strategic studies to support NASA and other civil and commercial customers. Our work helps shape agency-level strategic decision-making for future programs and projects. We are seeking a skilled Cost and Schedule Engineer (Senior Member of the Technical Staff/Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to join the SPA team to perform independent cost, schedule and risk assessments of current and future programs for NASA and other government agencies. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site in El Segundo or Pasadena, CA

Requirements

Bachelor’s OR Master’s degree in STEM field or relevant discipline
Minimum 5 years of relevant multidisciplinary experience, including spacecraft and launch vehicle concept design and operation, with knowledge of NASA, and/or other federal agencies, missions, technologies, development lifecycle, requirements, and guidelines.
Experience directly interfacing with senior staff and delivering comprehensive assessment products, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience in space systems engineering, risk assessment, cost modeling and analysis, independent cost estimating, and leading technical programmatic and architecture-level studies.
Knowledge of programmatic and portfolio analysis tools, databases, and methodologies, including commercially available and in-house capabilities (MS Project, Power BI, AI/ML tools).
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Minimum 8 years of relevant multidisciplinary experience, including spacecraft and launch vehicle concept design and operation, with knowledge of NASA missions, and/or other federal agencies, technologies, lifecycle development, requirements, and guidelines.
Demonstrated leadership in executing and managing complex technical programmatic and architecture-level studies with minimal oversight.
Advanced customer engagement skills, including direct customer interface, stakeholder management, and delivery of high-impact assessment products with proven track record of published papers/articles, written reports, and conference presentations.
Experience with programmatic and portfolio analysis tools, databases, and methodologies, including commercially available and in-house capabilities (MS Project, Power BI, AI/ML tools), and experience in innovative database and tool development (XML, VBA, etc.).
Proven ability to mentor junior staff and lead cross-functional teams across technical and customer-facing organizations.

Nice To Haves

MS in Engineering or related technical field; MBA, or similar post-graduate degree
Previous experience with Aerospace Corporation's programmatic capabilities and organizational structure
Demonstrated expertise in advanced analytical techniques such as Cost Estimating Relationship (CER) development, Monte Carlo simulation, or machine learning applications for programmatic analysis.
Track record of leading high-visibility studies or delivering strategic recommendations that influenced major program decisions at NASA or other federal agencies.
Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive programmatic and technical assessments of current and future programs to support agency-level strategic decision-making for NASA, NNSA, NSF, and other civil and commercial customers.
Perform cost, schedule, and risk analysis throughout the program development lifecycle using MS Project, including detailed earned value analysis to assess programmatic health and inform risk posture.
Develop analytical products such as independent cost/schedule estimates, architecture studies, technical risk assessments, and comprehensive briefings for senior staff and customer presentations.
Conduct strategic studies analyzing best practices, standards, and policies across NASA directorates and government agencies, utilizing databases, data sources, and data-driven analytical models.
Develop innovative programmatic capabilities including Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs), data collection and analysis, Power BI dashboards, data visualizations, and AI/Machine Learning applications.
Work effectively in a fast-paced team environment managing multiple projects simultaneously, adapting quickly to changing requirements while delivering consistently high-quality products.
Travel as needed to support various customer locations and project requirements.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect