Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

SPA's Veracity Forecasting Group has an immediate need for a cost analyst, skilled in data science or equivalent quantitative field, and 3 or more years professional experience in Cost Estimating. 

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  Washington, D.C. Pay Transparency Range:  $80k – $130k. #MC

Cost Estimating responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain cost estimates for equipment or systems with associated software, support equipment and software, and logistics costs in support of the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process
• Provide cost data to support the development of budgets, Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE), Total Ownership Costs (TOC), proposed procurement alternatives, Engineering Change Proposals and program/project plans in support of fully developed and approved design and modernization programs
• Provide cost engineering support to program offices in support of Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process. Conduct analysis of funding requests, develop independent cost estimates for tasking as needed, synthesize funding requests across the program office for analysis of funding allocations at a total level, and create mandatory funding request documentation such as Task Planning Sheets and Spend Plans
• Support the development of Cost Analysis Requirement Documents (CARD) that integrate cost, schedule, technical, and risk requirements into a single document to be used by the program office, and other organizations to perform cost, schedule, and risk analyses
• Conduct of Affordability / Should Cost analyses with the intent of driving efficiencies into estimates and program costs, and provide support in developing engineering cost models to allow for Should Cost
• Provide Earned Value Management (EVM) cost, schedule, and performance management

Most techniques involve the construction of mathematical models that attempt to describe the system being studied. The use of models enables the analyst to assign values to the different components and clarify the relationships among them. The values can be altered to examine what may happen to the system under different circumstances. 

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Economic Analysis or related technical degree
• Experience in Cost Estimating/Engineering
• Experience with either Major Acquisition Category (ACAT) programs and/or Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) programs
• 3 years of experience in cost estimating reporting and acquisition decision support
• DoD Secret clearance required, with the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications: 

• ICEAA PCEA/CCEA certification
• Programming language experience (Python, R, etc)
• 7 years of experience in cost estimating reporting and acquisition decision support