Future Opportunity: Entry Level Cost Analyst

Thompson Gray•Redstone Arsenal, AL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Thompson Gray seeks motivated, analytically talented individuals for a future entry-level Cost Analyst opportunity. Cost Analysts play a vital role in ensuring the Army can efficiently acquire, sustain, and modernize weapon systems and equipment by providing credible, defensible cost estimates throughout the program life cycle. Cost Analysts prepare cost estimates and budgets for major Department of Defense (DoD) programs, gain knowledge of Army and DoD reporting requirements, and gather an understanding of the DoD acquisition process. This role is ideal for candidates with strong quantitative and analytical skills who are interested in defense financial analysis. Job duties require possession of an active security clearance which typically requires US citizenship. Selected candidate(s) will receive full sponsored training in the Army's mandated cost estimating software platform, ACEIT. As an Army cost analyst, your ACEIT proficiency will be central to developing Program Office Estimates (POEs), Independent Government Estimates (IGEs), Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), and a range of analytical products required at program milestones. The Army mandates ACEIT for Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and II programs and it is widely used across all acquisition categories. This position is contingent upon funding approval.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited college. Related fields include: Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration (with quantitative emphasis), Operations Research, Engineering (any discipline), Physics, Computer Science (with analytical or quantitative coursework).
Degrees in non-quantitative fields may be considered only if supplemented by substantial coursework in mathematics, statistics, economics, or a closely related analytical discipline.
A degree from an unaccredited institution does not satisfy this requirement.
Active Secret Security Clearance required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including intermediate to advanced functions such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, SUMIF, conditional formatting, and data visualization.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) to prepare briefings, reports, and correspondence.
Knowledge of statistical techniques, applied mathematics, and economic methods as applied to cost estimation.
Ability to learn and apply the ACEIT suite - formal sponsored ACEIT training will be provided.
Skill in quantitative research and analytical problem-solving, including data collection, reduction, and synthesis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop concise, accurate cost reports and presentations.
Ability to manage and work with large data sets and identify trends and anomalies.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and build positive relationships across program offices, technical leads, and other stakeholders.
Ability to multi-task, manage priorities, and produce quality work products under deadlines and with limited supervision.
Attention to detail and commitment to producing estimates that are realistic, comprehensive, and fully documented.
A minimum of 0–3 years of directly related experience in cost analysis, financial analysis, program analysis, budgeting, or a closely related field.
Relevant internship experience, capstone projects, or academic research involving quantitative analysis or financial modeling may be credited.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to statistical software, cost risk tools (Crystal Ball, @Risk), or cost estimating platforms is preferred but not required at hire.
Knowledge of cost, budget, and program analysis concepts and principles.
Understanding of DoD or federal government acquisition processes and budget cycles (PPBE) is preferred.
Prior exposure to DoD acquisition programs, defense contractors, or government financial environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide case support to the AMSA International team in support of Security Cooperation customers to include (but not limited to) the following: Review technical system requirements to build LCCEs.
Work cross functionally with Engineering and Logistics teams to understand and model acquisition costs.
Construct IGEs in order to establish cost reasonableness of development and procurement actions.
Conduct research and collect data to develop Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs) in order to accurately project cost.
Utilize the Army's Cost Estimating Structure (CES) to develop Program Office Estimates (POEs) and LCCEs.
Leverage LCCE data to build program office spend plans.
Work with PAE Maneuver Air's Cost Division to adjudicate comments and obtain cost model validations.
Perform data collection and program management support requirements
Follow Army guidelines and regulations to ensure costs are projected in the correct appropriation.
Conduct what-if scenarios, document justification for cost variables, and construct and present Program Management briefings to leadership.

Benefits

Competitive pay based on your qualifications
Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance
401(k) plan with employer match
TG Swag – receive company-branded items during onboarding and seasonal shipments to your home
Dependent Scholarship Program – supporting the education of employees' children
Tuition Assistance for furthering your own education
Professional Development opportunities
Generous time-off policies, including 18 days of paid time off, 10 Federal Holidays, and flexible scheduling
Annual donation to the charity of your choice
Regular team-building events, such as lunches, after-hours gatherings, seasonal family-friendly events, and our memorable annual holiday party