Cost Analysis Branch Chief, SSDP

United States Space Force Forces; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Space Force Forces at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO seeks a visionary Cost Analysis Branch Chief to lead cost-informed analyses and guide acquisition decisions for next-generation systems. The role requires expertise in operations research, modeling, and strategic leadership to support national security objectives.

The position is based in Colorado Springs, CO with eligibility for telework and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning and cost estimating for defense systems.
• Experience with economic and operations research analyses and quantitative methods.
• Ability to design data collection, build models and run simulations for cost assessments.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and coalition-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost-informed force design guidance and analyses.
• Develop advanced methodologies and mathematical models to assess cost-effectiveness of systems.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership based on analyses.
• Travel for temporary duty assignments as required.

Skills

Strategic planning

Cost estimating

Operations research methods

Data collection techniques

Modeling and simulation

Leadership and coalition-building

Problem identification

Travel readiness

Education

College degree with 24 sem. hours in OR/math/stats

Job description

• Hiring Agency: United States Space Force Forces
• Department: Department of the Air Force
• Hiring Path: Public
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information

The United States Space Force (USSF) Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO is searching for a Cost Analysis Branch Chief to support CFC/SSDP (NH-1515-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent). Description: Are you ready to shape the future of the nation's defense in the space domain? The U.S.

Space Force is seeking a visionary Cost Analysis Branch Chief to lead critical cost-informed force design guidance at the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) located in Colorado Springs, CO. In this vital role, you will spearhead a broad range of analyses, developing advanced methodologies and mathematical models to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of next-generation systems and technologies.

Your conclusions will have a major impact on top-level decisions regarding the acquisition of new capabilities that are essential for our national security. We are looking for an expert in operations research with a talent for leading teams, developing innovative analytical techniques, and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership. This position requires a relevant college degree and MUST HAVE a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. If you are a U.S.

citizen ready for a challenging and rewarding career,

To qualify for this role, candidates must have a Top Secret/SCI clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility, passing a Counterintelligence Polygraph, and adhering to the Air Force drug testing policy. Academically, the position demands a college degree with at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, statistics, or related quantitative sciences, alongside compliance with DAWIA requirements.

Professionally, the candidate must possess capabilities in strategic planning, cost analysis, and operations research, specifically for defense weapon systems. They must be skilled in building predictive models, running simulations, and utilizing advanced data collection techniques to guide acquisitions under constrained budgets. Finally, the role requires strong strategic leadership and coalition-building skills, with the flexibility to travel for temporary duty assignments.

Key Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of processes related to strategic planning and cost estimating activities in order to budget for future systems with a constrained budget.
• Knowledge of a wide range of methods and techniques used in cost, economic and operations research analysis and possession of analytical abilities; quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions; especially for weapon systems.
• Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.
• Ability to encourage new ideas and innovations; manage human, financial and information resources strategically and build coalitions to achieve common goals.
• Ability to identify problems.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with United States Space Force Forces, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $91870 – $142022/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-09.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.