Senior Systems 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) 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.
Aerospace's Engineering Economic and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking a Senior Systems Cost Engineer to join an innovative, and highly productive team of cost, schedule, and operations research professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers across the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. EEMS applies cost estimation, scheduling, and operations research/management science (ORMS) to improve customer decision making and captures research-driven lessons learned from a wide variety of programs. These insights help develop better engineering management techniques based on data-driven tools, techniques, and methodologies. By synthesizing lessons learned from a variety of programs, EEMS continually refines engineering management practices in cost, schedule, and risk analysis to deliver impactful and enduring results.
Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Collaborate across disciplines to support Cost Engineering, Schedule Engineering, Acquisition Engineering Research, and Operations Research and Management Sciences (ORMS), contributing to key program analyses and decisions.
• Perform a variety of cost related analyses, including Life-cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE), Independent Cost Estimates/Assessments (ICE/ICA), Should-Cost Analysis, Rough Order of Magnitude Estimates, and Source Selection Cost Advisor Support. This capability will also develop Cost Estimating Relationship (CER), conduct Cost Risk Analysis, and estimate Commercial as a Service activities it relates to the Space Enterprise.
• Apply Operations Research and Management Sciences (ORMS) techniques-such as optimization, simulation, and decision analysis-to improve program planning, performance trade-offs, and resource allocation.
• Conduct research and analysis of technical data to support the procurement of cost-effective systems.
• Collaborate with staff and interdisciplinary teams to refine cost and schedule estimation methods, contributing to the development of historical databases and analytical models.
• Document findings and present detailed technical, cost, and programmatic data to stakeholders, management, and customers.
• 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: Systems Cost Engineer (Engineering Specialist)
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or related technical field.
• 8 years of relevant experience in space-related cost estimation and economic analysis.
• Hands on experience in developing cost estimates, conducting economic assessments, and model development.
• Proficiency in industry cost models (e.g., SEER, True Planning, ACEIT, Crystal Ball) and understanding of standard cost estimation methodologies.
• Working knowledge of OR/MS methods, including optimization, simulation, and decision analysis.
• Understanding of cost, schedule, and project management methodologies and frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, written, and communication skills.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI 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: Senior Systems Cost Engineer (Senior Engineering Specialist)

• 12 years of relevant experience in Cost Engineering, Schedule Engineering, Program Controls, Earned Value Management, Budgeting, or Economic Analysis, preferably within the Aerospace, Defense, or Advanced Technology industries.
• Experience with techniques such as Life Cycle Cost Analysis, parametric estimating, conducting economic assessments, and risk-adjusted cost model development.
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.
• Familiarity with aerospace or systems engineering principles.
• Must have a current TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, or related science field.
• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in source selections, program evaluations, or acquisition processes.
• Experience in supporting the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Understanding of government cost/schedule accounting practices (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA).
• Experience working in a program office setting, managing matrix support, and developing statements of work.
• Proficiency in schedule engineering tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera, Full Monte, forProject, Steelray Project Analyzer); business analytics and data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI); risk analysis tools (e.g., Crystal Ball, @RISK); and agile software development tools (e.g., JIRA).
• Proficiency in computer programming and modeling (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Recognition through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMI-PMP, AACE-CCP/CEP, ICEAA-CCE/A, DAWIA).
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

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 - $226,900
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.