COST ACCOUNTANT
Army National Guard Units
FreshPosted Jan 28
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: January 27, 2026 (2 days ago)
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Cost Lead, SYD 85/S8
Space Systems Command
Department of the Air Force
GS-12/13 Pay Grade(Career Ladder)
Entry salary: $74,441 | Full performance (GS-13): up to $115,079
Career ladder: Start at GS-12 and advance to GS-13 with experience.
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This role involves leading the creation of detailed cost estimates and financial analyses for major space programs in the US Space Force, helping program managers make smart decisions about budgets and resources.
A good fit would be someone with a strong math or operations research background who enjoys working in teams to turn technical project needs into solid financial plans.
It's ideal for analytical thinkers who can communicate complex ideas clearly to leaders.
Key Requirements
- Degree in operations research or at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or related fields requiring college-level math/statistics (including at least 3 hours in calculus)
- Knowledge of operations research analysis techniques and analytical abilities
- Expertise in quantitative techniques for developing, adapting, and applying models to solve problems
- Skills in negotiating and defending cost estimates and program concepts
- Ability to lead study teams, originate new ideas, and execute projects within financial and time constraints
- Proficiency in data collection, model design, building, and simulation techniques
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including negotiating complex issues and maintaining working relationships
Full Job Description
To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here.
For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.
The 1515 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements, you can view the experience level requirements here.
Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions. Major Duties:
The United States Space Force (USSF) at LAAFB, El Segundo, CA is searching for a Cost Lead for SYD 85/S8 (NH-1515-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent).
Description: Serve as a Cost Lead responsible for planning, leading, and performing complex cost estimating and financial analysis for assigned programs or projects.
Provide expert cost and financial analysis support to program managers and senior leadership to inform program decisions and resource planning.
Ideal Candidate: Developing and presenting cost estimates, financial metrics, and budget analyses for large or complex acquisition programs.
Working closely with program managers, integrated product teams, engineers, logisticians, and other functional experts to translate technical requirements into defensible cost estimates.
Applying DoW, OMB, and service-specific cost policies, methodologies, and tools to support decision-making and program planning.
Degree in operation research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operation research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter course requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.
At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Key Skills and Abilities: 1.
Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities. 2.
Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. 3.
Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts. 4.
Ability to lead study teams and originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints. 5.
Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques, and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. 6.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations.
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