Fresh Listing

Posted: March 8, 2026 (6 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: March 10, 2026 (3 days ago)

Posted recently. We are still expanding our coverage, so we added it a bit late. Still worth applying!

Deputy Cost Chief

Space Systems Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$129,096 - $197,200

per year

Closes

GS-14/15 Pay Grade(Career Ladder)

Entry salary: $104,604 | Full performance (GS-15): up to $159,950

Career ladder: Start at GS-14 and advance to GS-15 with experience.

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-13. Senior expert or supervisor.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team of analysts to create detailed cost estimates and economic studies for major space programs, helping decide how billions of dollars are spent on national defense projects.

You'll guide your team in building math-based models, review contractor bids, and explain your findings to top leaders and even Congress.

It's perfect for someone with strong math and leadership skills who enjoys solving big financial puzzles in a high-stakes government setting.

Key Requirements

  • Degree in operations research or at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, or related fields, including 3 hours in calculus
  • Expertise in financial management, cost analysis methods, and acquisition program phases from development to disposal
  • Proficiency in analytical techniques like cost-benefit analysis, regression analysis, earned value management (EVM), and cost estimating
  • Ability to design, build, and use mathematical, statistical, and simulation models for complex problems
  • Leadership skills to plan, assign, review work, mentor analysts, and direct a small to medium-sized team
  • Strong oral and written communication to present findings to senior management, OSD, and Congress
  • Knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD), OMB, and service-specific cost policies, regulations, and tools

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) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Deputy Cost Chief (NH-1515-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description: Are you ready to serve as the senior technical expert whose analysis forms the basis for multi-billion-dollar decisions in space acquisition?

We are seeking a Deputy Cost Chief to lead a team of elite operations research analysts in conducting complex cost and economic studies for our nation's most critical space programs.

As the analytical authority for the team, you will be responsible for independently framing complex problems and developing the sophisticated mathematical, statistical, and econometric models needed to defend vital program budgets.

This is more than a management position; you are the lead expert who will present and defend your team's findings to the highest levels of leadership, including senior management, OSD, and Congress, directly influencing major program and investment decisions.

As a leader, you will mentor a team of analysts by planning, assigning, and reviewing their work, setting performance standards, and providing the technical direction needed to deliver authoritative results.

Your mission will involve directing the preparation of cost estimates, evaluating complex contractor proposals, and making data-driven recommendations on cost-effective alternatives.

The ideal candidate is an expert in developing and presenting cost estimates, financial metrics, and budget analyses for large-scale acquisition programs.

This individual excels at working collaboratively with program managers, integrated product teams, engineers, and other functional experts to translate complex technical requirements into defensible cost estimates.

A strong candidate is proficient in applying Department of War (DoW), OMB, and service-specific cost policies, methodologies, and tools to support critical decision-making and program planning.

Academically, applicants must have a degree in operations research or have completed at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, or a related science requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics, including a minimum of three semester hours in calculus.

Key Skills and Abilities: 1.

Knowledge of commonly used financial management and cost analysis methods, practices, procedures, regulations, policies, and processes applicable to all phases of an acquisition program from initial development through sustainment and disposal.

2. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures. 3. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization. 4.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 5.

Skill in the application of analytical methods and techniques (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, amortization, depreciation, regression analysis, and pro-rating revenues and costs among customers).

Also applies mathematical and statistical analyses for EVM and various cost estimating techniques to analyze and evaluate the effects of changes in acquisition program plans and funding and conduct economic and cost studies and analyses.

6. Ability to design, build and use models and simulation techniques; ability to use standard-type models to simulate real-world environments. 7.

Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze data to prepare budget/financial cost estimates, develop alternatives, funding requirements, and make recommendations to resolve financial/funding problems and provide policy and guidance.

8. Knowledge of Programming, Planning and Budgeting System policies, procedures and required documentation. 9.

Knowledge of engineering and technical terminology sufficient to allow an effective interchange of technical information and its cost implications and application. 10.

Knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems and how to assess the contractor's application. 11. Skill in formulating, justifying and/or analyzing financial requirements of the assigned program. 12.

Knowledge of programs and their financial requirements to provide leadership, guidance, and direction to teams comprised of members with diverse backgrounds and advocating conflicting approaches to the resolution of financial issues.

13. Expert knowledge of the acquisition and funding processes which directly impact the mission

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/8/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: SF-FY26-6S-NH-1515-4-SPLASH