Cost Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. 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; Crystal City, VA; Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO, offering an in-person work model that combines 4 or more regular onsite workdays per week and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• 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

What You Need to be Successful
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 systems acquisition, cost/schedule engineering, or advanced decision analytics

• Experience leading the development of life cycle cost estimates and methodologies for complex systems

• Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively while operating with initiative, adaptability, and sound adjustment in high-visibility, and time-constrained environments

• Exhibits a high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative when responding to dynamic and sometimes short-term requests

• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer sites or work locations

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist:

• 12 years of experience in cost engineering, cost analysis, or operations research or closely related analytical disciplines supporting space systems acquisition

• Demonstrated leadership in planning and delivering complex analyses, including managing teams, balancing priorities, and driving results under evolving customer demands

• Proven ability to integrate cost, schedule, and risk insights across EEMS capability areas, applying analytical methods and tools (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation using @RISK, Crystal Ball) to inform program and enterprise-level decisions

• Experience leading cross-functional efforts and synthesizing technical, programmatic, economic, and acquisition considerations to inform program and enterprise-level decisions

• Proven ability to engage senior leaders and translate complex technical and programmatic data into decision insights that inform acquisition strategies, funding profiles, and risk posture

• Recognized technical authority capable of representing the organization at high-visibility technical meetings, reviews, and external engagements

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's or PhD degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Systems, Industrial), Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics (quantitative focus) or related STEM field
• Proven track record in developing cost models and databases with demonstrated proficiency in Python, R, or SQL
• Understanding of the NDAA 2026 acquisition environment, PPBE Reform, and Warfighting Acquisition System transformation and their impact on U.S. Government space systems
• Experience with government or commercial space operations and program management
• Familiarity with the aerospace and defense industrial base, including Aerospace Corporation customers and mission areas

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.