Cost Analyst/Affordability Analyst

Are you seeking an opportunity to integrate affordability into the design of systems?

Do you take pride in your ability to build cost estimating relationships for unique requirements and nascent technologies?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Cost Analyst to help us develop and maintain cost estimates and affordability analyses in support of Department of Defense (DOD) and US Government sponsors. You'll be joining a hardworking team of analysts who tie affordability and cost considerations and projections to the critical challenges our nation faces. As a member of our team, you will contribute to trade space studies (Analysis of Alternatives, Business Case Analyses), Cost and Schedule Risk Assessments, and affordability studies (Life Cycle Cost Estimates, Total Ownership Costs). Significant tasks will include cost research, parametric cost estimation, probabilistic cost forecasting, integration of cost data and models, normalization of data, and execution of model credibility assessments.

As a Cost Analyst/Affordability Analyst...

• Your primary responsibility will be aggregating cost data of government projects through both structured (DAMIR, CADE, VAMOSC, USASpending.gov) and unstructured (open source web searches, domain expert interviews) research.
• You will contribute to studies that quantify best value assessments through affordability analysis, decision frameworks, data visualization, feasibility analysis, and sensitivity analysis.
• You will learn to build cost estimates integrating statistical analysis, modeling and simulation, cost databases, and expert opinion in Excel, ACEIT, Price Trueplanning, etc.
• You will collaborate with APL staff from all sectors and departments on technical studies across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace domains.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Management Science, Mathematics, Operations Research or another related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience in cost estimating/analysis, quantitative modeling and/or risk analysis.
• Experience in preparing cost estimates and analyses for DoD programs.
• Experience with DoD or Government agency acquisition programs, including milestone reviews, reporting, and budget development.
• Knowledge or training in the use of DoD cost estimating software, models, and databases (e.g. ACEIT, @Risk, Crystal Ball, Price TruePlanning, VAMOSC).
• Demonstrated communication, interpersonal, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• A Master's degree or higher in Business, Cost Estimating, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Management Science, Mathematics, or Operations Research.
• A current certification related to cost estimation/analysis (e.g., Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III certification, Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA)), INFORMS Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)).
• In-depth knowledge and experience in any/all of the following: Life Cycle Cost Estimating, Cost Benefit & Risk Analysis, Parametric Estimating Techniques, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Government and Commercial Pricing Requirements, Forecasting, Data Mining, Simulation & Optimization Techniques.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in the use of DoD cost estimating software, models, and databases (e.g. ACEIT, @Risk, Crystal Ball, Price TruePlanning, VAMOSC).
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the DoD 5000 series of systems acquisition polices.
• Past leadership of DoD Affordability Studies or cost-benefit analysis of MDAP ACAT programs.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.