Cost Analyst is

Cost Analyst The Senior Cost Analyst provides knowledge and expertise applying principles, theories and methods of cost estimation and analysis.
• Relevant foundations that are helpful include:

• Prior cost estimation experience for DoD, IC, or other government agency

• Analytics background, such as operations research or statistics

• Familiar with Excel formulas, statistical features, and macros

• VBA coding behind Excel is a big plus

• Python and/or R coding for statistics is a big plus

• Acquisition or contract management background

• Aerospace background

• Coding & Machine Learning (ML) - this is a new area the customer is looking to leverage to improve its existing cost estimation models and tools

• ML experience in Python and/or R for regression and classification data is preferred here

• SQL database query skills are beneficial
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) for text search/matching and analysis, since a lot of the contract data and deliverables are text-based

• Another useful skillset is importing/exporting data to Excel using Python or R, as well as sending data from a SQL database to Tableau

• Earned Value Management (EVM) / Integrated Performance Management (IPM)

• Prior EVM or IPM experience is beneficial here

• Statistics, analytics, and coding are similarly helpful for this career track Qualifications:

• Minimum of 11-16 years' experience with a Bachelor's Degree

• Apply principles, theories and methods of cost estimation to complex Government acquisitions

• Develop cost estimating relationships through the application of advanced statistical analysis techniques

• Ability to collect and normalize data and design cost estimating methods and models

• Develop life-cycle cost estimates using a variety of methods (e.g. parametric, analogy, etc)

• Experience leading life-cycle cost estimates for major system acquisitions

• Ability to identify key cost and technical risk areas, and translate the risk areas into program cost impacts

• Proficient with the application of Monte Carlo simulation techniques

• TS/SCI clearance Desired:

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, Cost Analysis, Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related disciplines

• Cost estimating experience in the following domain areas:

• Space hardware (bus and payload)

• Space systems (e.g. NASA/Air Force, NRO, Commercial)

• Launch systems

• Ground systems (e.g. mission management, command and control, mission processing, ground terminals, communications networks, data centers)

• Software cost estimating

• Parametric and analogy based estimating

• Data collection and normalization

• Model development

• Method development (e.g. multivariate regression analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, cost improvement curve analysis)

• Technical understanding of satellite systems

• Experience using risk analysis software Crystal Ball)

• Experience using statistical analysis software (e.g. SAS, SPSS, etc)

• ICEAA certification; either Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA)