Cost Analyst Security Clearance

Position: Cost Analyst with Security Clearance
Responsibilities About NAWCAD Lakehurst: NAWCAD Lakehurst is the U.S. Navy's premier site for research, development, test, evaluation, and sustainment of Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) and Aircraft Support Equipment (SE). As part of NAVAIR, our mission is to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions that ensure the operational readiness and superiority of naval aviation forces.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cost Analyst to join our team. The Cost Analyst will play a critical role in supporting acquisition and sustainment programs by developing data-driven cost estimates, evaluating contract proposals, and providing actionable insights to program managers and stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly support the U.S. Navy's mission.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Data Analysis & Management
* Retrieve, clean, and analyze historical data from predefined databases
* Develop and/or maintain databases and datasets to support cost modeling
* Apply statistical techniques to prepare data for use in financial models
* Cost Modeling (Excel based)
* Decompose complex technical and programmatic information into quantifiable elements suitable for cost modeling
* Build, refine, and document Excel-based economic and financial models to estimate costs for acquisition, sustainment, and total lifecycle scenarios
* Predictive Analytics
* Use historical data to predict future events/outcomes
* Link technical parameters to pricing and assess cost drivers
* Apply appropriate production/learning curve theories and economic/technical metrics
* Execute risk/uncertainty analysis on cost models
* Proposal Evaluation
* Review and analyze contract proposals, including technical, programmatic, and financial documentation
* Recognize and assess the reasonableness and accuracy of cost elements such as direct labor, materials, overhead, indirect rates, and general & administrative (G&A) expenses
* Prepare written evaluations and recommendations regarding proposal cost estimates for management and stakeholders
* Understand and implement Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) including sub-component and total product cost details.
* Collaboration & Communication
* Interview clients and team members and extract technical and programmatic information
* Author and deliver clear, concise presentations to customers and stakeholders, defending analytical findings
* Effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring clarity, credibility, and ease of understanding across all levels of the organization
* Continuous Improvement
* Stay current with industry best practices, cost estimating methodologies, and relevant regulations
* Contribute to process inprovements and knowledge sharing within the team Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree in Science, Math, Economics or related field, or at least 24 semesters hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics, is required. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
* Minimum 1-2 years of relevant experience in cost analysis, financial modeling, or data analytics (internships or co-op experience may be considered)
* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions and modeling techniques
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance
* Ability to pass a background investigation

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) or federal cost estimating standards (e.g., ICEAA, GAO Cost Estimating Guide)
* Prior experience supporting government acquisition or sustainment programs
* Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) Additional Skills and Attributes for Success:
* Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
* Ability to manage multiple…