Principal Cost Analyst

MTSI is seeking to hire a Principal Cost Analyst to support Army PAE M&S Programs by leading cost estimating activities, guiding program cost strategy, and providing expert-level analytical insights to government stakeholders and executive leadership. This role requires strong technical proficiency in cost modeling, life-cycle cost analysis, and risk assessment, with the ability to communicate complex financial and engineering data clearly and effectively. The Senior Cost Analyst serves as a subject-matter expert, mentor, and key contributor to program cost decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of Independent Cost Estimates (ICE), Program Office Estimates (POE), and Life-Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE) for complex defense systems

• Oversee creation and validation of cost models, databases, and analytical tools to support program planning and execution

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses, affordability assessments, "should-cost" studies, and trade-off evaluations

• Serve as primary contributor to CARD development, documentation reviews, milestone preparations, and acquisition decision briefings

• Perform advanced statistical and risk analyses, including Monte Carlo simulations and uncertainty modeling

• Guide Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis, reviewing contractor reporting and identifying cost/schedule performance trends

• Collaborate with engineering, schedule, logistics, and program management teams to integrate technical inputs into cost methodologies

• Present cost results and recommendations to senior leadership, program managers, and government customers

• Mentor junior analysts and provide subject matter advice on cost methodologies and DoD acquisition requirements

• Ensure compliance with DoD 5000 series, CAPE guidance, GAO cost standards, and relevant policy directives.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship and an Active Secret Clearance

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Business, Data Analytics, or a related technical field

• 10+ years of cost estimating or financial analysis experience supporting DoD or federal programs

• Experience supporting MDA, PEO Missiles & Space, PEO Aviation, Air Force Life Cycle Management, or similar organizations

• Expertise with cost estimating tools such as ACEIT, SEER, PRICE, or equivalent

• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition lifecycle, cost methodologies, and cost reporting requirements

• Proficiency in advanced Excel modeling; experience with Python, R, Power BI, or Tableau is a strong plus

• Ability to analyze engineering data, technical documentation, specifications, and schedules

• Strong communication, briefing, and stakeholder-engagement skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or advanced study in a financial or technical discipline

• Professional certifications such as ICEAA (CCE/A), PMI, or DAWIA Business/Cost Estimating

• Experience in EVM oversight, contractor cost analysis, or major defense acquisition programs