Senior Cost Engineer

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 117,300 - 226,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) plan

Relocation assistance

Flexible work schedules

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator/Analyst to join the Engineering Economics and Management Sciences department. You will lead cost estimating activities, develop methodologies, support the National Security Enterprise, and mentor junior staff in a dynamic, mission-focused environment.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in space systems cost engineering, expertise with risk analyses, and strong collaboration with government and industry customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Economics, or related quantitative analysis/STEM field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in space systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics.
• Expert-level proficiency in Monte Carlo simulation and other risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience leading the development of major system cost estimates, life cycle cost estimating, developing cost methodologies and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers.
• Collaborative approach to working in a team environment exhibiting grace and respect, always.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Advise national security and civil/commercial customers on cost-effective space systems procurement approaches.
• Potentially lead cost analysis within space system design and evaluation teams.
• Perform Life Cycle Cost estimates and trade studies with customers or program leads.
• Develop cost methodologies and maintain cost databases and tools.
• Review contractor proposals for completeness, relevance, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Train junior staff and peer-review technical products to ensure rigorous analysis.
• Deliver timely reports and presentations to support critical decisions.

Skills

Monte Carlo simulation

Cost estimation

Data analysis

Cost modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in OR/IE/SE/economics

Master’s or PhD in related field

Tools

@RISK

Crystal Ball

SQL

Python

R

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Engineering Economics and Management Sciences (EEMS) department is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator/Analyst to join our team of diverse, innovative, and highly productive cost professionals. This growing bi‑coastal department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, civil, commercial, and international space communities. EEMS is responsible for developing space and ground cost estimates, reviewing cost proposals, analyzing cost risks, supporting analyses of alternatives, developing cost models, supporting the Aerospace Concept Design Center (CDC), and researching new cost models and methods.

We are looking for an energetic and knowledgeable Engineering Specialist/Sr Engineering Specialist who is interested in cost estimating for the National Security Enterprise. This person should be able to lead projects, analyze data, develop cost estimating tools, and establish methods for highly impactful projects.

The selected candidate will be required to work Full‑Time, on‑site at our facility in Chantilly, Virginia.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advise national security and civil/commercial customers on methods and strategies for procuring cost‑effective space systems.
• Participate in space system design and evaluation teams and may lead the cost analysis component and provide insight to cost risks and schedule estimates.
• Perform Life Cycle Cost estimates and trade studies by working directly with customers or through program office leads and developing cost methodologies consistent with engineering and cost estimating principles.
• Perform cost research, develop and maintain databases, tools and methodologies to modernize cost estimating processes.
• Review and evaluate contractor proposals and deliverables and be responsible for ensuring Aerospace technical quality in terms of completeness, relevance, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Dedicate time to training junior staff and peer‑reviewing technical products to maintain EEMS’s reputation for rigorous, objective analysis.
• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions.

What You Need to be Successful

• Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Economics, or a related quantitative analysis/STEM field.
  • Experience: At least 8 years of relevant experience in space systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics.
  • Technical Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Monte Carlo simulation (e.g., @RISK, Crystal Ball) and other risk assessment methodologies.
  • Experience leading the development of major system cost estimates, life cycle cost estimating, developing cost methodologies and analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers.
  • Collaborative approach to working in a team environment exhibiting grace and respect, always.
  • Exhibits exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative while working high visibility and sometimes short‑term request.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically or internationally.
  • Position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Additional Experience for Senior Engineering Specialist

• Master’s or PhD in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering.
• 12 years of experience in cost engineering, cost analysis, or operations research.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cost estimating teams, leading multiple projects and interacting with senior customers.
• May lead cross‑organizational teams and interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices.
• Acts as organization’s designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia.

How You Can Stand Out

• Proven track record in building cost models, developing cost databases and demonstrated expertise with Python, R, or SQL.
• Understanding of the NDAA 2026 acquisition environment, PPBE Reform, and the Warfighting Acquisition System transformation impacts to USG Space Systems.
• Advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant field.
• Experience with government or commercial space operations management.
• Familiarity with companies supporting aerospace/defense industrial base.
• Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation’s customers and working in a classified environment.
• Relevant internships or past positions building skills to support US Governments desire to increase usage of commercial services.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade‑based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 – $226,900.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company‑paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.