Systems Cost and Schedule 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.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

Aerospace’s Engineering Economic and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking a Systems Cost and Schedule Engineer (Sr MTS) to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of cost, schedule, and operations research professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers across the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. EEMS leverages expertise in cost, schedule, and economic engineering, along with operations research and management science techniques, to enhance cost- and schedule-related decision-making processes. The department also conducts integrated studies, technical deep dives, and comprehensive reviews that provide actionable insights and uncover risks and opportunities. These efforts enable decision-makers to balance trade-offs, optimize resource allocation, and develop robust solutions tailored to mission-critical challenges. By synthesizing lessons learned from a variety of programs, EEMS continually refines engineering management practices in cost, schedule, and risk analysis to deliver impactful and enduring results.

• Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate across disciplines to support Cost Engineering, Schedule Engineering, Acquisition Engineering Research, and Operations Research and Management Sciences (ORMS), contributing to key program analyses and decisions.

• Perform Life Cycle Cost Analyses, evaluate contractor cost activities, and participate in concurrent engineering and trade studies to optimize program solutions.

• Develop and evaluate Integrated Master Schedules, conduct Schedule Risk Assessments, and identify and quantify program risks ensuring timely mitigation strategies.

• Apply ORMS techniques to optimize program cost, schedule, and performance trade-offs. Utilize optimization, simulation, and decision analysis methods to support resource allocation, risk assessment, and program planning.

• Conduct research and analysis of technical data to support the procurement of cost-effective systems.

• Engage with senior staff and mentors to refine cost and schedule estimation methods, contributing to the development of historical databases and analytical models.

• Document findings and present detailed technical, cost, and programmatic data to stakeholders, management, and customers.

• Deliver clear and concise reports and presentations that inform critical decision-making processes.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in Cost Engineering, Schedule Engineering, Program Controls, Earned Value Management, Budgeting, or Economic Analysis, preferably within the Aerospace, Defense, or Advanced Technology industries.

• Proficiency in either Cost Engineering or Schedule Engineering, including:

  • For Cost Engineering: Experience with techniques such as Life Cycle Cost Analysis, parametric estimating, risk-adjusted cost modeling, and use of tools like SEER or ACEIT.

  • For Schedule Engineering: Expertise in developing and evaluating Integrated