Sr. Systems Cost 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

Aerospace’s Integrated Cost and Schedule Analysis (iCASA) Department is seeking a Sr. Systems Cost Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of cost and schedule professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. iCASA applies cost, schedule, and economic engineering expertise to improve customer cost and schedule related decision making and collects lessons learned from a wide variety of programs to help develop better engineering management techniques within the fields of cost, schedule, and risk analyses.

Work Model: This position will be located onsite in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting a variety of engineering economic and management science activities. These include cost engineering, economic decision analysis, acquisition and engineering research, and the use of Operations Research (OR) techniques and tools.
• Lead ICASA’s Cost Engineering capability area with responsibilities in economic decision analysis and provide support for Life-cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE), Business Case Analysis (BCA), Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), Strategic Portfolio & Financial Analytics, and costing of Commercial Services.
• Orchestrate acquisition engineering related technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments.
• Establish high-performing teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel and external customers including defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.
• Serve as spokesperson to management and customers on matters related to cost engineering and economic decision analysis.
• Lead the development of departmental tools and ensure the implementation of best practices.
• Contribute to new business and technical planning efforts; continuously evolve the scope of responsibilities for the team.
• Actively engage with the professional community by leading and organizing events such as conference, seminars, and industry forums. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for engagement and growth.
• Spearhead research initiatives that foster innovation. Host educational workshops, brown-bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.
• Act as senior mentor, providing technical advice/guidance to junior staff and customers.
• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or related science field.
• 12 years of relevant experience in space-related cost estimation and economic analysis experience
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.
• Hands on experience in developing cost estimates, conducting economic assessments, and model development.
• Proficiency in industry cost models (e.g., SEER, True Planning, ACEIT, Crystal Ball) and familiarity with standard cost estimation methodologies.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%.
• Current SSBI/SCI clearance.

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.
• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in source selections and evaluation processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.
• Experience working in a program office setting, managing matrix support, and developing statements of work.
• Knowledge of government cost accounting practices (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA).
• Experience with concurrent engineering methods and tools.
• Proficiency in computer programming and modeling for the development of tools that estimate the cost of space, ground, and launch systems.
• Teaching experience in technical subjects.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management, Program Planning, and Scheduling.
• Recognition as a subject matter expert through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.
• Certification in cost estimating from recognized professional societies (e.g,., ICEAA, AACE, or DAWIA).
• 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)

$155,900 - $223,900

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.