Junior Data/Cost Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Junior Data/Cost Analyst to support critical national security projects. This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to develop cost estimates and provide essential data for budgeting and project planning. With a collaborative team environment, you will engage in meaningful work that directly impacts defense initiatives. If you have a passion for data analysis and cost engineering, this position provides a pathway to grow your skills in a dynamic setting. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and commitment to mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• 1-2 years of experience with Excel and mathematical modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain cost estimates for equipment and systems.
• Provide cost data to support budgets and Life Cycle Cost Estimates.
• Conduct analysis of funding requests and develop independent cost estimates.

Skills

Excel

Mathematical Modeling

Cost Estimating

Programming (Python, R)

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Bachelor's in Data Science

Bachelor's in Mathematics

Bachelor's in Economic Analysis

Job description

Junior Data/Cost Analyst

Job Locations

US-DC

ID

2025-19877

Category

Cost Analysis

Security Clearance Requirement

Secret

Type

Regular Full-Time

Level

Entry-level

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Our Integrated Warfare Systems Group comprises more than 100 staff that provide program and project management, systems and digital engineering, software, test & evaluation, product support, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT support to more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects in the Navy's Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) and customers in Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the Navy's Team Submarine Office.

SPA has a near term need for a Junior Data/Cost Analyst. A hybrid work environment is allowed, but you must have the ability to regularly work on-site in DC (2-3 times per week) and travel up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

Cost Estimating responsibilities include:

Develop and maintain cost estimates for equipment or systems with associated software, support equipment and software, and logistics costs in support of the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process
• Provide cost data to support the development of budgets, Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE), Total Ownership Costs (TOC), proposed procurement alternatives, Engineering Change Proposals and program/project plans in support of fully developed and approved design and modernization programs
• Provide cost engineering support to program offices in support of Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process. Conduct analysis of funding requests, develop independent cost estimates for tasking as needed, synthesize funding requests across the program office for analysis of funding allocations at a total level, and create mandatory funding request documentation such as Task Planning Sheets and Spend Plans
• Support the development of Cost Analysis Requirement Documents (CARD) that integrate cost, schedule, technical, and risk requirements into a single document to be used by the program office, and other organizations to perform cost, schedule, and risk analyses
• Conduct of Affordability / Should Cost analyses with the intent of driving efficiencies into estimates and program costs, and provide support in developing engineering cost models to allow for Should Cost
• Provide Earned Value Management (EVM) cost, schedule, and performance management
• Most techniques involve the construction of mathematical models that attempt to describe the system being studied. The use of models enables the analyst to assign values to the different components and clarify the relationships among them. The values can be altered to examine what may happen to the system under different circumstances.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Economic Analysis or related technical degree
• 1-2 years of experience with Excel and mathematical modeling (during academic courses is fine)
• DoD Secret clearance eligible and the ability to maintain this clearance throughout employment

Desired Qualifications:

• Classes in in Cost Estimating/Engineering
• Programming language experience (Python, R, etc)
• Experience in cost estimating reporting and acquisition decision support