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