Cost Analyst Engineer

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Integrated Cost and Schedule Analysis Department (iCASA) is the corporate focal point for cost/schedule analysis and related estimating methodologies. iCASA supports many customers throughout the National Security, civil government, commercial and international space communities. We collect lessons learned from a wide variety of programs to help develop better cost, schedule, and risk assessment techniques.

iCASA is seeking a Cost Analyst Engineer (Engineering Specialist - Cost & Schedule Analysis) to join our team of diverse, innovative, and highly productive cost and schedule professionals.  This position is located on-site in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop cost estimates for advanced space systems using in-house estimating methodologies
• Provide technical expertise based on cost estimating and analysis best practices (e.g. GAO, ICEAA)  
• Analyze cost and technical data to assess credibility of government and industry cost estimates
• Lead or participate in interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research for cost analyses and coordinate interfaces with government customer and Aerospace program offices
• Support multiple programs and/or activities and frequently act as point-of-contact for cost-related activities
• Specific responsibilities include support of Life Cycle Cost Estimation, Evaluation of Government and Contractor Cost estimates, Cost-Benefit/Effectiveness Analyses, Programmatic Assessments, Cost/Schedule/Technical Risk Analysis, Cost/Performance/Design Trade Studies, and Portfolio Analysis for decision support
• Additional responsibilities include participation in the following: cost research, cost engineering, program technical baseline development; proposal evaluations, and model development for in-house cost estimating tools

• Train junior department members and participate in knowledge transfer with peers

What You Need to be Successful Cost Analyst Engineer -Engineering Specialist - Cost & Schedule Analysis

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or related science field
• 8 years of relevant cost estimating experience; knowledge of space, launch or ground systems is highly desirable
• Experience in cost/financial management analysis and reporting
• Active or prior membership in a recognized professional society (e.g., ICEAA or AACE)
• Willing to travel domestically/internationally when required, approximately 10%
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Additional Requirements Cost Analyst Engineer -Senior Engineering Specialist - Cost & Schedule Analysis

• 12 years of relevant cost estimating experience, to include space, launch or ground systems

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or related science field
• Ground/IT and/or software system cost estimating experience
• Familiarity with industry cost models (True Planning, SEER, ACEIT) and standard cost methodologies
• Experience with Earned Value Management, Program Planning, and Scheduling
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation (e.g., @RISK or Crystal Ball)
• Source Selection/Evaluation Experience
• Experience with government cost accounting (DoD, NRO, NASA)
• Computer programming and modeling, especially for purposes of developing tools to estimate the cost of space, ground, and launch systems
• Teaching experience, especially in technical subjects
• Certification in cost estimating by a recognized professional society/educational organization (i.e., ICEAA or AACE)
• Current DoD TS and/or SSBI/SCI Clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$117,300 - $226,900

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.