Cost Estimator (GS26051226)

Gtscts; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Professional development

Tuition assistance

Work-life programs

Dependent care

Job summary

GTSC in Silver Spring, MD seeks an experienced Cost Estimator to act as a strategic advisor for a Federal PMO. You will develop, validate, and defend end-to-end cost estimates that inform critical acquisition decisions, delivering decision-quality analysis beyond spreadsheet models.

Responsibilities include LCCE across life cycles, WBS/CES development, method selection, data normalization, and integrated risk analyses with Monte Carlo simulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Finance, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 8–12 years of experience leading estimates for major ACAT I or II programs.
• Specialized software: ACEIT; proficiency in Crystal Ball, @Risk, or SEER suite.
• Microsoft Excel at an advanced level (array formulas, VBA, complex pivots).
• Familiarity with scheduling tools like MS Project or Primavera.

Responsibilities

• Develop Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE) covering R&D, O&S, and disposal costs.
• Create and maintain WBS and CES with engineers.
• Select estimation methodologies based on data maturity: Parametric, Analogy, Engineering Build-Up.
• Collect and normalize historical cost, technical, and program data.
• Conduct risk, uncertainty, and sensitivity analyses, including Monte Carlo simulations and EVM-linked cost forecasting.
• Prepare budget defense exhibits and PPBE briefing materials; support EAC and CARD analyses.

Skills

Cost estimation

Leadership

GAO guidance

Excel advanced

ACEIT

Crystal Ball

@Risk

SEER

MS Project

Primavera

Education

Bachelor's degree in OR/related quantitative field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ACEIT

Crystal Ball

@Risk

SEER suite

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Silver Spring, United States | Posted on 06/23/2026

• Industry Professionals - No Clearance Required
• Salary $110,000-140,000 / year
• City Silver Spring
• State/Province Maryland
• Country United States

Job Description

GTSC and its Global Sciences and Technology (GST) business unit seeks a highly skilledCost Estimatorto serve as a strategic advisor to a Federal Program Management Office (PMO). In this capacity, you will be responsible for the end-to-end development, validation, and defense of cost estimates that underpin critical acquisition decisions. This position is located in Silver Spring, MD and has been approved for a hybrid work schedule.

The successful candidate will move beyond simple spreadsheet modeling to provide "decision-quality" analysis. You will help the government navigate complex fiscal environments by ensuring all estimates are comprehensive, accurate, well-documented, and credible-the four characteristics of a high-quality cost estimate defined by the GAO.

Primary Duties:

• Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE) covering R&D, operations & support (O&S), and disposal costs.
• WBS Development: Collaborate with engineers to develop and maintain a product-oriented Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Element Structure (CES)
• Methodology Selection: Apply a mix of estimating methodologies based on data maturity, including:
  Parametric, Analogy, and Engineering Build-Up
• Data Collection & Normalization: Research and collect historical cost, technical, and programmatic data from sources
• Risk, Uncertainty, & Sensitivity Analysis, including Monte Carlo Simulation, Risk Register Integration, Sensitivity Analysis, and perform integrated cost-schedule risk analysis to predict the probability of meeting both cost and schedule targets simultaneously.
• Program Management & Reporting. Prepare budget quality defense exhibits and briefing materials for the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process (e.g., POM slides, Exhibit 300s). Conduct Earned Value Management (EVM) Support: Analyze Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) to forecast Estimates at Completion (EAC). Conduct Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD)

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Finance, or a related quantitative discipline. (Master's degree preferred).
• 8-12 years of experience, including leadership in developing estimates for major ACAT I or II programs. Subject Matter Expertise: Deep understanding of the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation), and DoD 5000.02 policies.
• Specialized Software: Expert proficiency in ACEIT (Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools) is highly desired. Proficiency in Crystal Ball, @Risk, or SEER suite.
• Microsoft Excel: Advanced mastery is mandatory (e.g., array formulas, VBA macros for automation, complex pivot tables, data modeling).
• Schedule Integration: Familiarity with Microsoft Project or Primavera to understand the link between schedule duration and cost (marching army costs).

Applicants selected will be subject to a government background investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements.

BENEFITS -Employees working 30+ hours weekly

Wecelebrate your contributions we will provide you withopportunities and choices and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professionaldevelopment, tuition assistance, work-life programs, anddependent care for full-time employees working 30-plus hoursper week. Our recognition awards program acknowledgesemployees for exceptional performance.

Business Unit: GlobalSciences and Technology (GST)

IdentityStatement

Aspart of the application process, you are expected to be oncamera during interviews and assessments. We reserve theright to take your picture to verify your identity andprevent fraud.

WorkDefinitions:

If thisposition is listed as remote or hybrid, you'llperiodically work from a company or client sitefacility.

Aspart of the onboarding process for this position, individualsundergoing identity verification for new PIV card issuance, mustpresent a REAL ID compliant form of identification or anequivalent acceptable form. GTSC iscommitted to working with and providing reasonable accommodationto applicants with physical and mental disabilities.

GTSCparticipates in the E-Verify program in all locations as requiredby law.

GTSC-Talent Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment.