Cost Engineer/Senior Cost Engineer

About the role

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Advise customers on acquisition strategies that balance cost, schedule, and risk to enable mission success
• Participate in space system design and evaluation teams and may lead the cost analysis component
• Contribute to space system design and evaluation efforts by providing cost insights and identifying cost and schedule risks
• Develop life cycle cost estimates and trade studies to support program direction, funding strategies, and investment decisions
• Work with customers and program offices to develop cost methodologies grounded in cost engineering practices and estimating principles
• Conduct cost research and build or maintain databases, tools, and methodologies that strengthen cost estimating capabilities
• Evaluate contractor proposals and program artifacts to identify cost drivers, risks, and potential gaps
• Apply cost and analytical methods across a range of acquisition environments (e.g., rapid acquisition, OTAs, fixed-price), adapting approaches to support faster program delivery
• Contribute to team development and technical quality through mentoring and peer reviews

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Systems, Industrial), Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics (quantitative focus) or related STEM field
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in space systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively while operating with initiative, adaptability, and sound adjustment in high-visibility, and time-constrained environments
• Exhibits a high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative when responding to dynamic and sometimes short-term requests
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer sites or work locations

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Systems, Industrial), Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics (quantitative focus) or related STEM field
• Minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist: 12 years of experience in cost engineering, cost analysis, or operations research or closely related analytical disciplines supporting space systems acquisition

Skills

• Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Systems, Industrial), Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics (quantitative focus) or related STEM field
• Proven track record in developing cost models and databases with demonstrated proficiency in Python, R, or SQL
• Understanding of the NDAA 2026 acquisition environment, PPBE Reform, and Warfighting Acquisition System transformation and their impact on U.S. Government space systems
• Familiarity with the aerospace and defense industrial base, including Aerospace Corporation customers and mission areas

Benefits

Competitive compensation package, including annual salary range of $117,300.00 - $226,900.00, depending on qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include comprehensive health care and wellness plans, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation, standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options, 401(k) Plan, professional growth and development programs, and relocation assistance.