Cost Engineer​/Senior Cost Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Join us and take your place in space.

From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.

Aerospace’s Engineering Economics and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department integrates cost engineering, schedule engineering, operations research, and acquisition-focused research to deliver data-driven insights for complex space and ground systems. Supporting customers across the National Security, Civil, Commercial, and International Space communities, EEMS leverages advanced analytics and modeling to shape acquisition strategies, manage risk, and improve program outcomes.

We are seeking a Cost Engineer/Senior Cost Engineer to support the National Security Space Enterprise. In this role, you will support or lead cost analyses, evaluate technical and programmatic data, and develop cost estimating models and methodologies. You will contribute to advancing cost engineering capabilities through the development of tools, analytical frameworks, and data approaches that enable defensible, decision-ready cost products, while integrating cost with schedule and risk insights to inform acquisition and funding decisions.

Work Model:
This position is full-time and requires on-site work at one of the following locations:
El Segundo, CA;
Chantilly, VA;
Huntsville, AL;
Albuquerque, NM, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

• Advise customers on acquisition strategies that balance cost, schedule, and risk to enable mission success
• Participate in space system design and evaluation teams and may lead the cost analysis component and Advise customers on acquisition strategies, balancing cost, schedule, and risk
• Contribute to space system design and evaluation efforts by providing cost insights and identifying cost and schedule risks
• Develop life cycle cost estimates and trade studies to support program direction, funding strategies, and investment decisions
• Work with customers and program offices to develop cost methodologies grounded in cost engineering practices and estimating principles
• Conduct cost research and build or maintain databases, tools, and methodologies that strengthen cost estimating capabilities
• Evaluate contractor proposals and program artifacts to identify cost drivers, risks, and potential gaps
• Apply cost and analytical methods across a range of acquisition environments (e.g., rapid acquisition, OTAs, fixed-price), adapting approaches to support faster program delivery
• Contribute to team development and technical quality through mentoring and peer reviews

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Systems, Industrial), Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics (quantitative focus) or related STEM field
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in space…