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Senior Cost Engineer

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) 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 diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

Aerospace’s Engineering Economics and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of cost, schedule, and operations research professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. EEMS applies cost, schedule, and economic engineering and management sciences expertise to improve customer cost and schedule related decision making and collects research-driven lessons learned from a wide variety of programs to help develop better engineering management techniques based on data-driven tools, techniques, and methodologies.

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 EEMS Department is seeking a visionary Senior Cost Engineer to help spearhead the development of our next-generation cost estimates, models and databases to provide defensible, repeatable and responsive cost products to our customers. From our inception, our highly skilled technical staff have focused on ensuring the success of every mission and developing the most effective space-related hardware and software in the world. Our greatest asset is the technical expertise of our people.

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 more 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 analyses

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/internationally

This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist include:

Master’s or PhD degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering analysis / STEM field, 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

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically
Lead Change
Engage with Impact
Foster Innovation
Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

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

peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org

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