Develops defense and space-system cost estimates, forecasts funding needs, builds quantitative cost models, analyzes uncertainty and risk, and presents findings to senior leaders. The role uses technical and historical data to support U.S. Space Force force design and investment decisions, documents estimates using GAO best practices, and performs data mining, algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and dashboard development. It also researches cost-estimating methodologies for emerging space missions.
Overview
Tecolote Research is seeking bright and highly motivated candidates to join a small, diverse team supporting the Space Warfighting Analysis Center’s (SWAC) efforts in “Forging America’s Future in Space.” Tecolote possesses well-recognized industry leadership in cost analysis of Department of Defense space systems. Our Colorado Springs office has a unique opportunity to develop an early career applicant to support SWAC’s vision to “Design the Force that wins in, to, and from space.” Can you translate your problem-solving acumen, mathematical forecasting skills, and data analytic background to a well-structured cost analysis? Join Tecolote today!
Responsibilities
- Prepare and present cost analysis that is grounded in Government Accountability Office (GAO) Best Practices to advise senior leader insights with cost-informed, threat-resilient USSF Force Design recommendations
- Develop data-driven cost analysis to frame funding priorities of USSF investment and operation strategies for 15-year outlook
- Partner with broader cost estimating community (i.e., Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Air Force Cost Analysis Agency, Space Systems Command, and National Reconnaissance Office’s Cost and Acquisition Assessment Group) to capture transformative space market trends like commercially based capabilities, advancements in technology, and smaller, cheaper proliferated satellites
- Unlock power of collected technical and cost data with analysis utilizing advanced quantitative, uncertainty/risk, learning curve, rate effect, and escalation principles in well-structured models
- Professionally document and present end-to-end cost estimate process and results to include Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) level basis of estimates, crosschecks, and tracks from prior estimates
- Advance space cost estimating with research and development of methodologies that predict funding needs for evolving and new mission areas
- Transform Force Design engineering inputs and proven contractors’ historical data into quantifiable, mathematical models that predict the cost of an end item
- Structure databases, develop cost estimating relationships, structure cost models, develop point estimates, characterize uncertainty/risk, perform escalation, document models, and export results for presentation within Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) suite
- Perform data analytic tasks such as data mining/analysis, algorithm development/application, modeling/simulation, and dashboard development/presentation
Skills Required
- 0–3 years of practical experience in cost estimating, operations research, or systems engineering
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Word; and aptitude for learning new systems
- Confident communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to tell a story using data with Excel or other visualization like tools
- STEM Bachelor’s Degree
- Ability to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret/SCI security clearance
- Consent to Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph
- U.S. citizenship is required
- Open until filled
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with USSF programs, DoD acquisition environments, and military space mission areas
- Exposure to cost estimating methodologies and operations research techniques
- Proficiency with industry cost estimation tools such as ACEIT, SEER, or PRICE
Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000/year, DOE
Education
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.
Benefits
We offer competitive salaries commensurate with education and experience. We have an excellent benefits package that includes:
Health & Welfare
Company Paid
- Major Medical Insurance for employees and family members
- Dental Insurance for employees and family members
- Vision Insurance for employees (employee-paid for family members)
- Group Life Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
Voluntary
- Short-Term Disability
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (pre-tax deferrals for health care expenses)
Retirement
- Money Purchase Pension Plan - 100% Company funded defined contribution retirement plan. One-year entry waiting period and 5-year vesting. Core Funds available and a self-directed brokerage account option.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan - 100% Company funded discretionary contribution. 100% vested after one-year entry waiting period.
Time Off
Tecolote’s generous paid time off benefits give employees the flexibility they need to relax, recharge and take care of the unexpected.
- Annual Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Holidays
- Jury Duty/Witness Leave
- Military Leave
- Sick Leave
Location
Colorado Springs Operation
Colorado Springs, CO
(256) 895-0478
The base pay range for this role is $60,000 – $70,000 per year.
Tecolote Research, Inc. Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Office
985 Space Center Drive, Suite 305, Colorado Springs, United States, 80915
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