Cost Estimate Auditor - NNSA Defense Programs

Excelligent LLC•Albuquerque, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cost Estimate Auditor will serve as a key member of the Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation (CEPE) Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) team, providing rigorous, independent analysis of cost estimates submitted by NNSA Management & Operating (M&O) contractors across the nuclear weapons enterprise. This role evaluates cost, schedule, and risk assumptions for major weapons system programs and ensures alignment with the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, CEPE ICE processes, and established parametric methodologies. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with nuclear weapons programs, deep analytical capability, and a strong understanding of risk and uncertainty analysis, including how discrete risk events and probabilistic modeling influence Management Reserve (MR) development.

Requirements

Active DOE Q-clearance (or equivalent national security clearance)
Bachelor's degree in engineering, finance, economics, operations research, or a related field
5+ years of experience supporting nuclear weapons programs, national security programs, or DOE/NNSA M&O environments
Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, cost analysis, or cost auditing for complex technical programs
Strong understanding of risk management, including uncertainty modeling, Monte Carlo analysis, and risk event quantification
Experience evaluating or developing Management Reserve (MR) and understanding how risk events influence MR sizing
Familiarity with parametric cost models and databases
Ability to interpret technical program documentation, schedules, and system design information
Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex analytical findings to senior leadership

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with NNSA M&O contractors (e.g., LANL, SNL, LLNL, Y-12, Pantex, KCNSC, SRS)
Prior participation in Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) or Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs)
Knowledge of nuclear weapons lifecycle phases, stockpile modernization programs, and NNSA acquisition processes
Experience with cost risk tools (e.g., @Risk, Crystal Ball, Primavera Risk Analysis)

Responsibilities

Audit and independently evaluate cost estimates submitted by M&O sites for nuclear weapons modernization and sustainment programs
Apply the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, CEPE ICE processes, and CEPE parametric databases to assess estimate quality, completeness, and realism
Review Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation for traceability, defensibility, and alignment with technical baselines
Analyze cost, schedule, and technical assumptions to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or unsupported methodologies
Evaluate risk and uncertainty analyses, including distributions, correlations, and integration of risk events into MR development
Use CEPE and industry-standard tools to independently develop MR calculations for comparison against M&O submissions, validating the appropriateness of risk event treatment and uncertainty ranges
Conduct cross-site comparisons to ensure consistency across the weapons enterprise
Prepare audit findings, briefings, and recommendations for CEPE leadership and program stakeholders
Collaborate with program analysts, engineers, and risk managers across assigned M&O sites to clarify assumptions and validate data inputs
Develop Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs) for major acquisition milestones
Maintain awareness of evolving weapons program requirements, design changes, and enterprise-wide cost drives