Develop and defend life-cycle cost estimates for national security space launch vehicle programs. Perform cost, risk, pricing, and contractor estimate analyses; build cost models; support acquisition strategies and source selections; document and present findings to government customers; and collaborate with program managers and technical teams. Travel to contractor and government facilities may be required.
Overview
At all levels, our Cost Analyst will utilize their skills in cost estimating/analysis as well as in program management to support the development and procurement of space launch vehicles for the National Security Space Community. The support and expertise you provide will directly impact the objectives of our national defense and security.
Responsibilities
- The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the cost estimating process with respect to Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems and have hands-on skills and experiences analyzing technical and cost information; developing and applying cost methodologies; using cost estimating models; developing defendable and traceable life cycle cost estimates; and presenting and documenting analysis and results.
- Develop cost estimates, perform risk analyses and generate associated documentation.
- Provide proposal pricing support to government source selection teams, as required.
- Analyze launch vehicle contractor cost estimates and make recommendations to government customers.
- Work with program managers and technical staff to develop program strategies and acquisition documents.
- Present results to government customers.
- Participate in travel to contractor sites and other government facilities as needed to support fact finding meetings, or other mission needs.
Skills Required
- 15 years of cost estimating and analysis experience supporting DoD, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Intelligence Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) customers. 5 years of cost estimating for space programs within the same categories above is desired.
- Certification in cost estimating by a recognized professional society/educational organization (i.e., ICEAA or DAWIA) is desired.
- Experience required using MS Excel. 4 years of experience using Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT), Software SEER-SEM and Price is desired.
- Must possess strong verbal and written communications skills. This position requires the ability to work independently and in groups, in a fast-paced environment.
- Extensive knowledge of the DoD acquisition process, experience developing hardware and software cost estimating relationships and cost methodologies, building cost models, applying inflation, phasing, collecting and normalizing data, performing detailed risk analysis and documenting all results.
- Experience leading independent cost estimates and reviews are a plus.
- Familiarity with the DoD and National Intelligence Community budget cycle is a plus.
- Secret Clearance is required. Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) with DCID 6/4 Eligibility security clearance is desired.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000, DOE
Education
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in math, engineering, or the sciences.
CompensationThe base pay range for this role is $120,000 – $130,000 per year.
Tecolote Research, Inc. Goleta, California, USA Office
Goleta, CA, United States
Tecolote Research, Inc. El Segundo, California, USA Office
El Segundo, United States
Tecolote Research, Inc. Santa Barbara, California, USA Office
5383 Hollister Avenue, Suite 100, Santa Barbara, United States, 93111
Similar Jobs
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Food • Kids + Family • Design • Manufacturing
Evaluates product designs, cost breakdowns, factory quotes, materials, labor rates, and supplier pricing to improve production efficiency and margins. Prepares product financials, manages project cost budgets, monitors commodity trends, supports vendor selection, negotiates pricing, leads annual cost adjustments, and advises Marketing and Design on margin expectations. Supervises and mentors junior analysts while escalating issues and supporting sourcing and costing activities.
Top Skills:
ExcelMS OfficeOutlookPowerPointWord
Software • Analytics • Consulting • Defense
Develop cost estimates and predictive cost models for Department of Defense space programs, including satellite, ground, and launch systems. Analyze historical program data, perform statistical analysis, identify trends and risks, and support budget requests. Collaborate with program managers, engineers, and technical analysts while communicating complex analytical findings to stakeholders. The role requires strong data analytics, mathematical, technical, communication, and independent problem-solving skills.
Top Skills:
AceitExcelMicrosoft Power BiMicrosoft PowerpointPythonRTableau
Aerospace • Defense
Supports program financial execution through cost reporting, Earned Value Management, financial analysis, forecasting, and Estimate at Completion submissions. Analyzes cost, performance, material, billing, and funding data; identifies variances; processes baseline changes; supports Latest Revised Estimates; and prepares reports for program, finance, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Top Skills:
Material Requirements Planning (Mrp)ExcelMicrosoft PowerpointMicrosoft WordPrismSAPSap Business Warehouse
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
