Senior Cost Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation, operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator/Analyst to join the Engineering Economics and Management Sciences (EEMS) department within the Systems Engineering Division (SED). This growing department supports national security, civil, commercial, and international space communities by developing cost estimates, reviewing proposals, analyzing risks, supporting analyses of alternatives, developing cost models, and researching new cost models and methods. The selected candidate will be an Engineering Specialist/Sr Engineering Specialist interested in cost estimating for the National Security Enterprise, capable of leading projects, analyzing data, developing cost estimating tools, and establishing methods for impactful projects. The EEMS Department is looking for a visionary Senior Cost Engineer to spearhead the development of next-generation cost estimates, models, and databases to provide defensible, repeatable, and responsive cost products to customers. The company emphasizes the technical expertise of its people and is dedicated to ensuring mission success and developing effective space-related hardware and software.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or more in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Economics, or a related quantitative analysis / STEM field
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in space systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics
- Expert-level proficiency in Monte Carlo simulation (e.g., @RISK, Crystal Ball) and other risk assessment methodologies
- Experience leading the development of major system cost estimates, life cycle cost estimating, developing cost methodologies and analyses
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
- Collaborative approach to working in a team environment exhibiting grace and respect, always
- Exhibits exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative while working high visibility and sometimes short-term requests
- Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally
- 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
- Master’s or PhD degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering analysis / STEM field, Systems Engineering (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
- 12 years of experience in cost engineering, cost analysis, or operations research (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
- Demonstrated leadership in managing cost estimating teams, leading multiple projects and interacting with senior customers (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
- May lead cross-organizational teams and interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
- Acts as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia (for Senior Engineering Specialist)
Nice To Haves
- Proven track record in building cost models, developing cost databases and demonstrated expertise with Python, R, or SQL
- Understanding of the NDAA 2026 acquisition environment, PPBE Reform, and the Warfighting Acquisition System transformation impacts to USG Space Systems
- Advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant field
- Experience with Government or commercial space operations management
- Familiarity with companies supporting aerospace/defense industrial base
- Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation’s customers and working in a classified environment
- Relevant internships or past positions building skills to support US Governments desire to increase usage of commercial services
Responsibilities
- Advise national security and civil/commercial customers on methods and strategies for procuring cost-effective space systems
- Participate in space system design and evaluation teams and may lead the cost analysis component and provide insight to cost risks and schedule estimates
- Perform Life Cycle Cost estimates and trade studies by working directly with customers or through program office leads and developing cost methodologies consistent with engineering and cost estimating principles
- Perform cost research, develop and maintain databases, tools and methodologies to modernize cost estimating processes
- Review and evaluate contractor proposals and deliverables and be responsible for ensuring Aerospace technical quality in terms of completeness, relevance, accuracy, and timeliness
- Dedicate time to training junior staff and peer-reviewing technical products to maintain EEMS’s reputation for rigorous, objective analysis
- Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
