Acquisition Lifecycle Cost Analyst

Guidehouse Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Guidehouse seeks a lifecycle cost estimator to support program planning, budgeting, and decision-making with end‑to‑end cost modeling across the system lifecycle. The role emphasizes translating complex cost data into actionable insights for stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, attention to detail, self‑motivation, and experience building and communicating cost estimates to leadership and program teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3+ years of cost estimation/analysis experience incl. LCCE.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CBP Public Trust.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs) per guidelines (OMB/GAO/DoD/DHS).
• Build cost models covering acquisition, operations, maintenance, and disposal.
• Conduct cost analyses using parametric, analogy, engineering build-up methods.
• Perform cost risk and uncertainty analyses (e.g., Monte Carlo).
• Analyze historical cost data and normalize datasets for estimates.
• Collaborate with program managers, engineers, and financial analysts to gather inputs.
• Support budget formulation, justification, and execution with detailed estimates.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate (BOE) and supporting analyses.
• Develop and present cost briefings to stakeholders and review boards.
• Evaluate alternatives and perform trade-off analyses for cost-effective decisions.
• Participate in ICEs, cost reviews, and audit support.
• Contribute to cost estimating standards and processes.

Skills

Cost estimation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Family :

Management Consulting

Travel Required :

Up to 10%

Clearance Required :

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do :

We are looking for a lifecycle cost estimator with experience in developing, analyzing, and maintaining life-cycle cost models to support program planning, budgeting, and decision-making. This role focuses on applying cost estimating methodologies across the full system lifecycle-from concept development through operations and sustainment. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, attention to detail, self-motivation, and the ability to translate complex cost data into actionable insights for stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs) in accordance with regulatory guidance (e.g., OMB, GAO, DoD, DHS)
• Build cost models that capture acquisition, operations, maintenance, and disposal phases of programs or systems
• Conduct cost analyses including parametric, analogy-based, engineering build-up, and extrapolation techniques
• Perform cost risk and uncertainty analyses using tools such as Monte Carlo simulations
• Analyze historical cost data and normalize datasets for use in estimating models
• Collaborate with program managers, engineers, and financial analysts to gather inputs and validate assumptions
• Support budget formulation, justification, and execution activities with detailed cost estimates
• Prepare cost documentation, including Basis of Estimate (BOE), assumptions, methodologies, and supporting analysis
• Develop and present cost briefings to stakeholders, leadership, and review boards
• Evaluate program alternatives and conduct trade-off analyses to support cost-effective decision-making
• Participate in independent cost estimates (ICEs), cost reviews, and audit support activities
• Contribute to the development of cost estimating standards, processes, and best practices
• Provide ongoing updates to estimates as program requirements evolve

What You Will Need :

• Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a CBP "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their CBP PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an ACTIVE CBP PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred.
• Bachelor's degree
• THREE (3) or more years' of experience in cost estimation and/or analysis; including Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE)

What Would Be Nice To Have :

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED CBP PUBLIC TRUST or Top Secret
• Experience supporting acquisition programs across multiple lifecycle phases
• Experience working in Agile or Hybrid-Agile environments
• Experience working with structured cost estimating methodologies and frameworks
• Experience supporting government programs with defined cost reporting requirements
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex cost drivers and assumptions to non-technical stakeholders

The annual salary range for this position is $98,000.00-$163,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer :

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.