Cost Analyst SME

KBR Careers; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR’s National Security Solutions team is seeking a Cost Estimating SME to provide expert cost analysis and lifecycle cost estimating for NGAL within AMC and AFLCMC. The role develops cost-benefit products, supports requirements identification and acquisition strategy, and coordinates with Air Staff, MAJCOM, SPO and peers to deliver compliant, timely solutions.

Strong DoD policy knowledge, DoW experience, and TC eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of cost estimating experience within the DoW.
• In-depth knowledge of DoW policies, procedures, and regulations related to cost estimation.
• Experience in A3, A4, A5/A8 or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead NGAL financial analysis complying with DoD, Air Force, AMC and AFLCMC policies.
• Shape system requirements using extensive airlift experience.
• Provide operational analysis to NGAL capability development team.
• Coordinate with Air Staff, MAJCOM, Systems Program Office and stakeholders to ensure objectives are met.
• Develop AoA, JFRP and SARD documentation and deliverables.
• Present detailed analysis results and status reports to senior AMC leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Decision-making skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

MS Excel with Crystal Ball plug-in

ACEIT (Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tool)

Job description

Cost Analyst SME

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

KBR is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Cost Estimating SME to provide expert cost analysis product delivery support to Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for airlift modernization initiatives associated with the Next Generation Airlift (NGAL) weapon system. The incumbent will develop and deliver NGAL cost estimation products and requirements artifacts supporting NGAL capability alternatives definition, evaluation, and selection to inform Government‑led requirements and acquisition development.

The position serves as an Cost Estimating SME, responsible to the AMC customer for providing advanced cost analysis, financial modeling, and lifecycle cost estimating expertise for potential NGAL capability solutions, requirements and options. The incumbent will develop and deliver cost‑benefit products related to requirements identification, requirements selection and refinement, acquisition strategy development, schedule and risk management, and integration coordination across operational stakeholders. The role enables the selection, development and delivery of advanced aircraft capabilities while ensuring compliance with applicable DoW, Air Force, AMC and AFLCMC acquisition and product delivery frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads, performs and manages NGAL financial analysis ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force, AMC and AFLCMC policies and regulations, using cost estimating tools such as MS Excel with Crystal Ball plug‑in, Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tool (ACEIT), etc.
• Leverages extensive strategic and tactical airlift experience to shape system requirements
• Provides expert operational analysis to inform the Government‑led Next Generation Airlift (NGAL) capability development team.
• Coordinate with cross‑organizational teams, including Air Staff, MAJCOM headquarters, Systems Program Office and operational stakeholders to ensure program objectives are met
• Leverage extensive background in aircraft operations, flight planning, and mission execution to deliver draft Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP) and System Attributes and Requirements Document (SARD) documentation
• Prepare and present detailed analysis results, analysis summaries and status reports as required to senior AMC leadership and stakeholders

Work Environment

• Location: On‑Site
• Travel Requirements: Minimal 0‑20%
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in cost estimating experience/execution within the DoW
• In‑depth knowledge of DoW policies, procedures, and regulations related to cost estimation
• Experience in A3, A4, A5/A8 or equivalent
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) or equivalent DoW certification
• Three or more years of experience in Headquarters Air Mobility Command (AMC)
• Three or more years of experience in SAF/AQ, HAF/A3, HAF/A5 and/or HAF/A8
• Experience working with the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process and documentation
• Knowledge of DoW 5000.02 and AFLCMC Policies, Processes, and Procedures

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.