Cost Engineer/Senior Cost Engineer

About this role

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 ) offers unparalleled   expertise   in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED   leverages   a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.  

Aerospace’s Engineering Economics and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department integrates cost engineering, schedule engineering, operations research, and acquisition-focused research to deliver data-driven insights for complex space and ground systems. Supporting customers across the National Security, Civil, Commercial, and International Space communities, EEMS leverages advanced analytics and modeling to shape acquisition strategies, manage risk, and improve program outcomes.

We are seeking a   Cost Engineer/Senior Cost Engineer   to support the National Security Space Enterprise. In this role, you will support or lead cost analyses, evaluate technical and programmatic data, and develop cost estimating models and methodologies. You will contribute to advancing cost engineering capabilities through the development of tools, analytical frameworks, and data approaches that enable defensible, decision-ready cost products, while integrating cost with schedule and risk insights to inform acquisition and funding decisions.  

Work Model:   Th is position is full-time and requires on-site work at one of the following locations:   El Segundo ,   CA ;   Chantilly, VA;   Huntsville, AL; Albuquerque, NM, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What   You’ll   Be Doing   

• Advise   customers on   acquisition strategies that balance cost, schedule, and risk to enable mission success  

• Participate in space system design and evaluation teams and may lead the cost analysis   component   and   Advise customers on acquisition strategies, balancing cost, schedule, and risk  

• Contribute to space system design and evaluation efforts by   providing   cost insights and   identifying   cost and schedule risks  

• Develop life cycle cost estimates and trade studies to support program direction, funding strategies, and investment decisions  

• Work with customers and program offices to develop cost methodologies grounded in cost engineering practices and estimating principles

• Conduct cost research and build or   maintain   databases, tools, and methodologies that strengthen cost estimating capabilities  

• Evaluate contractor proposals and program artifacts to   identify   cost drivers, risks, and potential gaps  

• Apply cost and analytical methods across a range of acquisition environments (e.g., rapid acquisition, OTAs,   fixed-price ), adapting approaches to support faster program delivery  

• Contribute to team development and technical quality through mentoring and peer reviews  

What You Need to be Successful   

Minimum   Requirements for the   Engineering Specialist    

• Bachelor’s degree   in   Engineering   ( Aerospace , Systems, Industrial) , Operatio ns Research,   Applied Mathematic s,   Economics   ( quantitative   focus )   or related   STEM field  

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in space systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics  

• Experience leading the development of   life cycle cost estimates and methodologies for complex systems  

• Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively while   operating   with initiative, adaptability, and sound   adjustment   in high-visibility , and time-constrained environments  

• Exhibits   a   high level   of innovation, creativeness, and initiative wh en responding to dynamic a nd sometimes short-term   requests  

• Willing ness   to travel occasionally to customer site s   or work locations  

• This position requires   a current and active TS/SCI   security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government .  

In addition to the above, the   minimum   requirements for the   Senior   Engineering Specialist :  

• 12 years of experience in cost engineering, cost analysis, or operations research or closely related analytical disciplines supporting space systems acquisition

• D emonstrated leadership in planning and delivering complex analyses, including managing teams, balancing priorities, and driving results under evolving customer demands

• Proven ability to integrate cost, schedule, and risk insights across EEMS capability areas, applying analytical methods and tools (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation using @RISK, Crystal Ball) to inform program and enterprise-level decisions  

• Experience leading cross-functional efforts and synthesizing technical, programmatic, economic, and acquisition considerations to inform program and enterprise-level decisions  

• Proven ability to engage senior leaders and translate complex technical and programmatic data into decision insights that inform acquisition strategies, funding profiles, and risk posture  

• Recognized technica

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