Job Summary: The Cost Estimate Auditor will serve as a key member of the Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation (CEPE) Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) team, providing rigorous, independent analysis of cost estimates submitted by NNSA Management & Operating (M&O) contractors across the nuclear weapons enterprise. This role evaluates cost, schedule, and risk assumptions for major weapons system programs and ensures alignment with the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, CEPE ICE processes, and established parametric methodologies.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with nuclear weapons programs, deep analytical capability, and a strong understanding of risk and uncertainty analysis, including how discrete risk events and probabilistic modeling influence Management Reserve (MR) development.
Key Responsibilities:- Audit and independently evaluate cost estimates submitted by M&O sites for nuclear weapons modernization and sustainment programs
- Apply the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, CEPE ICE processes, and CEPE parametric databases to assess estimate quality, completeness, and realism
- Review Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation for traceability, defensibility, and alignment with technical baselines
- Analyze cost, schedule, and technical assumptions to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or unsupported methodologies
- Evaluate risk and uncertainty analyses, including distributions, correlations, and integration of risk events into MR development
- Use CEPE and industry-standard tools to independently develop MR calculations for comparison against M&O submissions, validating the appropriateness of risk event treatment and uncertainty ranges
- Conduct cross-site comparisons to ensure consistency across the weapons enterprise
- Prepare audit findings, briefings, and recommendations for CEPE leadership and program stakeholders
- Collaborate with program analysts, engineers, and risk managers across assigned M&O sites to clarify assumptions and validate data inputs
- Develop Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs) for major acquisition milestones
- Maintain awareness of evolving weapons program requirements, design changes, and enterprise-wide cost drives
Required Qualifications:- Active DOE Q-clearance (or equivalent national security clearance)
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, finance, economics, operations research, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience supporting nuclear weapons programs, national security programs, or DOE/NNSA M&O environments
- Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, cost analysis, or cost auditing for complex technical programs
- Strong understanding of risk management, including uncertainty modeling, Monte Carlo analysis, and risk event quantification
- Experience evaluating or developing Management Reserve (MR) and understanding how risk events influence MR sizing
- Familiarity with parametric cost models and databases
- Ability to interpret technical program documentation, schedules, and system design information
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex analytical findings to senior leadership
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience working directly with NNSA M&O contractors (e.g., LANL, SNL, LLNL, Y-12, Pantex, KCNSC, SRS)
- Prior participation in Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) or Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs)
- Knowledge of nuclear weapons lifecycle phases, stockpile modernization programs, and NNSA acquisition processes
Work Environment:- Assigned to one or more M&O sites per weapons program, with periodic travel to NNSA facilities
- Collaborative, high-accoutnability encironments supporting national security missions
- Requires strict adherece to security, confidentiality, and data-handling protocols
- Must be able to perform duties on-site at locations where NNSA maintains an operational presence
