Technical Expert/Subject Matter Expert

Tecolote Research; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

100% Company funded Retirement Plans

Generous vacation and sick pay plans

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Tecolote Research is looking for a Technical Expert / Subject Matter Expert to support a Navy program preparing for Milestone A approval. Candidates need a minimum of 20 years of experience in cost estimating, especially in developing new cost estimates.

The role involves leading cost estimate development, conducting analyses, and engaging with senior leaders to present findings. Benefits include comprehensive health plans and retirement funding.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of experience in cost estimating and analysis.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition regulations and processes.
• Experience supporting ACAT 1D acquisition programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cost estimate development for a major Navy program.
• Conduct cost and feasibility analyses for complex program alternatives.
• Provide expert-level analytical support for financial reporting.

Skills

DoD acquisition knowledge

Cost estimate development

Risk/uncertainty analysis

WBS development

Microsoft Office proficiency

Certification in cost estimating

Education

Bachelor’s degree in math, engineering, business, or sciences

Tools

Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tool (ACEIT)

Job description

We are seeking a Technical Expert / Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a high-visibility Navy program as it prepares for Milestone A approval. This position requires a minimum of 20 years of experience in cost estimating and analysis, with a focus on developing new cost estimates from the ground up. The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in DoD cost estimating and acquisition processes, along with the ability to lead efforts in creating comprehensive cost models for large-scale programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a new cost estimate from inception for a major Navy program progressing towards Milestone A.
• In addition, conduct cost and feasibility analyses for complex program alternatives, Program Office budgets, Contractor Proposals, and other high-impact cost-related products.
• Provide expert-level analytical support for program controls, financial reporting, and budget execution, ensuring the alignment of estimates with program objectives and DoD guidelines.
• Spearhead the development of the program Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and play a critical role in crafting the program’s initial Cost Analysis Requirements Description (CARD) and Acquisition Program Baseline (APB).
• Engage with senior leadership, stakeholders, and contractors to present, defend, and document cost estimate results, ensuring clarity and confidence in program projections.

Skills Required

• Deep understanding of DoD acquisition regulations, processes, and best practices, with a particular focus on the “Develop, Deliver, and Sustain” lifecycle and Milestone A preparation.
• Proven experience in leading life cycle cost estimate development, including risk/uncertainty analysis and model documentation for large DoD programs.
• Extensive knowledge of WBS development, particularly with MIL-STD-881.
• Direct experience supporting ACAT 1D acquisition programs is preferred.
• Knowledge & experience estimating costs for advanced missile systems (targeting, guidance, flight control, engine, warhead) is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tool (ACEIT) suite to perform cost estimating and analysis tasks.
• 24 semester hours of quantitative course work (mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, chemistry, etc.) to include at least three hours of college level calculus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Certification in cost estimating or financial management, such as DAWIA Level III (or equivalent), ICEAA CCEA, CDFM, or related professional credential, is strongly preferred.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance required; TS preferred

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, life, long and short-term disability insurance
• 100% Company funded Retirement Plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick pay plans
• Tuition assistance

About Tecolote Research

Tecolote Research is a private, employee-owned corporation where people are our primary resource. Our investments in technology and training give our employees the tools to ensure our clients are provided the solutions they need, and our very high employee retention rate and stable workforce is an added value to our customers. Apply now to connect with a company that invests in you.