Cost Analyst

Cost Analyst PositionThe United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 81 (SYD 81) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Cost Analyst (NH-1515-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Serves as an advanced Cost Analyst, leading the end-to-end development, quantitative modeling, and analytical defense of comprehensive Life-Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), program baselines, and cost/benefit analyses for designated space acquisition programs and mission capabilities. Collaborating extensively with Program Managers, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), systems engineers, contracting officers, and external stakeholders, the incumbent gathers and normalizes technical data, translates complex system requirements into defensible cost models, and ensures rigorous documentation in compliance with DoD 5000-series acquisition policies and Space Force guidance. Furthermore, the analyst prepares and delivers authoritative briefings, trade-space assessments, and executive-level cost findings to senior acquisition leadership, directly substantiating budget and Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions, guiding milestone review decisions, and providing vital analytical support during contract negotiations and source evaluations.The ideal candidate is an analytical and quantitatively adept cost professional skilled at gathering, normalizing, and evaluating complex raw data through rigorous statistical and qualitative methods. This individual demonstrates a proven ability to develop, adapt, and refine sophisticated cost models to solve intricate acquisition challenges and deliver actionable, alternative trade-space solutions for executive decision-makers. A strong and confident communicator, the candidate excels at defending analytical findings, cost methodology, and underlying assumptions before leadership and stakeholders, while actively supporting Program Managers in executing robust Earned Value Management (EVM) practices-including trend analysis, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), and project surveillance-across multiple concurrent programs.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities.Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts.Ability to lead study teams and originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations