Cost Analyst

TEKsystems is looking for an experienced Cost Analyst to join our client’s team in a permanent role supporting critical government and defense programs. In this position, you will help program leaders make informed decisions by developing and analyzing cost models, pricing solutions, and full lifecycle cost estimates for weapon systems and related initiatives. You will apply advanced analytical and technical expertise to complex cost challenges while supporting research and development activities throughout the program lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining detailed cost analysis with strategic problem-solving in support of high-impact defense programs.

Responsibilities
Assist the program manager with the research and development of projects within a corporate program, focusing on cost and pricing activities.
Independently develop cost models and analytical tools for government stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and repeatability.
Create and refine Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs), and rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates using a variety of estimating methodologies.
Modify and enhance existing cost products and tools within ongoing programs, or develop full lifecycle cost estimates for new initiatives as needed.
Support cost and pricing efforts for weapon systems, including development and production activities, materials, hardware components, and related elements.
Apply advanced advising skills and extensive industry knowledge to solve complex cost and pricing problems and develop innovative solutions.
Work with minimal direction while proactively seeking clarification when needed, demonstrating strong ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables.
Mentor and guide team members by sharing best practices, methodologies, and lessons learned in cost analysis and pricing.
Collaborate closely with systems engineers, logisticians, and program managers to interpret technical specifications, schedules, and risks for use in estimating methodologies.
Collect, verify, and normalize large sets of historical cost and technical data to build robust, data-driven estimates.
Apply inflation indices, learning curves, and advanced risk or uncertainty distributions to refine cost estimates and reflect realistic program conditions.
Ensure alignment with Department of Defense Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) regulatory procedures and other applicable standards when structuring estimates.
Develop and maintain project budgets and cost baselines, ensuring consistency with program objectives and constraints.
Leverage Microsoft Excel to build, maintain, and automate complex cost models, including formulas, macros, and data analysis tools.
Rapidly derive customized pricing and cost solutions in an agile, fast-paced environment to meet evolving stakeholder requests.
Translate complex quantitative data and financial models into clear, concise, and actionable briefings and written reports for senior leadership and government customers.
Coordinate closely with government counterparts, incorporating their direction and guidance into cost models and deliverables.
Partner with other cost analysts on the team to ensure consistency of methodologies, assumptions, and documentation across multiple programs.

Essential Skills
3+ years of experience with cost analysis or strategic pricing, preferably in support of government or defense-related programs.
Experience developing robust products such as Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs), and rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates using a range of estimating methodologies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to build and maintain complex cost models and perform advanced data analysis.
Knowledge of inflation concepts, basic cost estimating methodology application, and Department of Defense Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) regulatory procedures.
Ability to work effectively in an agile and fast-paced environment while rapidly developing customized pricing and cost solutions for program stakeholders.
Ability to partner with systems engineers, logisticians, and program managers to interpret technical specifications, schedules, and risks for use in estimating methodologies.
Ability to collect, verify, and normalize large sets of historical data and apply inflation indices, learning curves, and advanced risk or uncertainty distributions.
Ability to translate complex quantitative data and financial models into clear, actionable briefings and reports for senior leadership and government stakeholders.
Experience supporting cost and pricing activities for weapon systems or similar complex technical systems, including development, production, materials, and hardware components.
Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy in deliverables.
Active Secret clearance.
Bachelor's degree.

Additional Skills and Qualifications
5 years of cost, pricing, or earned value experience, particularly in roles that emphasize independent development of cost models and tools.
Demonstrated experience working directly with government customers, incorporating their direction and feedback into cost products.
Background in cost-oriented roles rather than financial analysis or budgeting, with a focus on pricing and estimating for complex programs.
Experience mentoring or supervising team members in cost analysis, pricing, or related disciplines.
Familiarity with project budgeting and project costing processes in a program or portfolio environment.
Experience working alongside other cost analysts on multi-program teams, ensuring consistency in methodologies and outputs.
Comfort using a variety of estimating methodologies and tailoring approaches to fit unique program requirements.