Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
Work Model: This position is full-time and requires on-site work at one of the following locations: El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Crystal City, VA; Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You’ll Be Doing
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 and Advise customers on acquisition strategies, balancing cost, schedule, and risk
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 toidentifycost 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
What You Need to be Successful
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
At least 8 years of relevant experience in space systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics
Experience leading the development of life cycle cost estimates and methodologies for complex systems
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
This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
In addition to the above, the 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
Demonstrated leadership in planning and delivering complex analyses, including managing teams, balancing priorities, and driving results under evolving customer demands
Proven ability to integrate cost, schedule, and risk insights across EEMS capability areas, applying analytical methods and tools (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation using @RISK, Crystal Ball) to inform program and enterprise-level decisions
Experience leading cross-functional efforts and synthesizing technical, programmatic, economic, and acquisition considerations to inform program and enterprise-level decisions
Proven ability to engage senior leaders and translate complex technical and programmatic data into decision insights that inform acquisition strategies, funding profiles, and risk posture
Recognized technical authority capable ofrepresentingthe organization at high-visibility technical meetings, reviews, and external engagements
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
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
Experience with government or commercial space operations and program management
Familiarity with the aerospace and defense industrial base, including Aerospace Corporation customers and mission areas
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 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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:
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
About The Aerospace Corporation
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