Cost Analyst

job description

kratos defense & security solutions, inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the u.s. Federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

general job summary:

the cost analyst serves as the enterprise financial control representative for technical directions inc., responsible for end-to-end financial oversight across all functions including programs, operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing. This role functions as the de facto financial controller for tdi, ensuring cost, margin, cash, and financial risk are visible, controlled, and actively managed in alignment with business objectives.

reporting directly to the gm / svp, the cost analyst provides independent financial insight and governance while maintaining a strong dotted-line partnership with the lead program manager to embed financial discipline into daily program execution. The role translates operational and engineering activity into clear financial performance, enabling informed decision-making, predictable execution, and strong business outcomes.

essential job functions:

enterprise financial control & oversight

• serve as the primary financial control owner for tdi across all functions and programs
• maintain end-to-end visibility of labor, material, overhead, scrap, rework, and margin performance
• ensure financial discipline is applied consistently across engineering, programs, operations, quality, and supply chain
• identify, assess, and communicate financial risks and opportunities to leadership

program financial control & integration

• embed financial control into program execution through close partnership with the lead program manager
• track and analyze program cost performance, margin, and estimate-at-completion (eac)
• assess financial impacts of scope, schedule, and engineering changes (ecrs/ecos)
• support program recovery planning, trade studies, and risk mitigation from a financial perspective

operations, engineering & supply chain cost control

• partner with operations to analyze labor efficiency, throughput, oee, scrap, and rework
• support engineering with cost impact analysis related to design decisions, changes, and maturity
• partner with supply chain on material cost, supplier performance, make/buy decisions, and lead-time risk
• ensure production and engineering execution are accurately reflected in financial results

budgeting, forecasting & aop governance

• support development and maintenance of the annual operating plan (aop)
• own rolling forecasts, reforecasts, and variance analysis
• identify early warning indicators relative to cost, margin, and cash performance
• support capital expenditure analysis and return-on-investment tracking

financial data integrity & systems

• ensure accuracy and consistency of financial data across erp, dashboards, and reports
• validate standard costs, labor rates, overhead application, bom cost rollups, and routings
• ensure financial data integrity across erp, plm, mes, qms, and program control systems
• maintain audit-ready financial records and reporting

reporting & executive visibility

• provide clear, concise financial reporting to gm / svp and leadership
• support monthly operating reviews (mors), program reviews, and executive briefings
• translate complex financial data into actionable insights for technical and operational leaders
• support customer-facing financial discussions as appropriate

compliance, governance & controls

• ensure compliance with corporate finance policies, gaap, and internal control requirements
• support internal and external audits as required
• ensure compliance with itar, export controls, and data-handling requirements
• maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial and program data

process…