Systems Cost and Schedule 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.

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. 

Aerospace’s Engineering Economic and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking a Systems Cost and Schedule Engineer (Sr MTS) to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of cost, schedule, and operations research professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers across the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. EEMS leverages expertise in cost, schedule, and economic engineering, along with operations research and management science techniques, to enhance cost- and schedule-related decision-making processes. The department also conducts integrated studies, technical deep dives, and comprehensive reviews that provide actionable insights and uncover risks and opportunities. These efforts enable decision-makers to balance trade-offs, optimize resource allocation, and develop robust solutions tailored to mission-critical challenges. By synthesizing lessons learned from a variety of programs, EEMS continually refines engineering management practices in cost, schedule, and risk analysis to deliver impactful and enduring results.

• Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate across disciplines to support Cost Engineering, Schedule Engineering, Acquisition Engineering Research, and Operations Research and Management Sciences (ORMS), contributing to key program analyses and decisions.

• Perform Life Cycle Cost Analyses, evaluate contractor cost activities, and participate in concurrent engineering and trade studies to optimize program solutions.

• Develop and evaluate Integrated Master Schedules, conduct Schedule Risk Assessments, and identify and quantify program risks ensuring timely mitigation strategies.

• Apply ORMS techniques to optimize program cost, schedule, and performance trade-offs. Utilize optimization, simulation, and decision analysis methods to support resource allocation, risk assessment, and program planning.

• Conduct research and analysis of technical data to support the procurement of cost-effective systems.

• Engage with senior staff and mentors to refine cost and schedule estimation methods, contributing to the development of historical databases and analytical models.

• Document findings and present detailed technical, cost, and programmatic data to stakeholders, management, and customers.

• Deliver clear and concise reports and presentations that inform critical decision-making processes.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in Cost Engineering, Schedule Engineering, Program Controls, Earned Value Management, Budgeting, or Economic Analysis, preferably within the Aerospace, Defense, or Advanced Technology industries.

• Proficiency in either Cost Engineering or Schedule Engineering, including:

  • For Cost Engineering: Experience with techniques such as Life Cycle Cost Analysis, parametric estimating, risk-adjusted cost modeling, and use of tools like SEER or ACEIT.

  • For Schedule Engineering: Expertise in developing and evaluating Integrated Master Schedules, conducting Schedule Risk Assessments, and proficiency with tools like MS Project, Primavera, or similar.

• Familiarity with ORMS methods, including optimization, simulation, and decision analysis.

• Strong understanding of cost, schedule, and project management methodologies and frameworks.

• Familiarity with aerospace or systems engineering principles.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline.

• Proficiency in computer programming and modeling (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).

• Familiarity with industry-standard cost engineering tools (e.g. SEER, ACEIT), schedule engineering tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera, Full Monte, forProject, Steelray Project Analyzer); business analytics and data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI); risk analysis tools (e.g., Crystal Ball, @RISK); and agile software development tools (e.g., JIRA).

• Knowledge of government cost and scheduling practices (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA) and familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) standards.

• Professional certification (e.g., PMI-PMP, AACEi-CCP, ICEAA-CCE/A, CAP).

• Current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security 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)

$86,600 - $129,800

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.