SUPERVISORY RESEARCH AND WRITING SPECIALIST
Air Education and Training Command
Posted: January 22, 2026 (10 days ago)
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Missile Defense Agency
Department of Defense
Location
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
Salary
$129,690 - $195,200
per year
Type
Full Time
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This job involves serving as an expert in estimating and analyzing costs for missile defense programs, helping leaders make informed decisions on budgets and resources.
You'll collect data, build models, and prepare reports to ensure accurate predictions for project lifecycles.
It's a great fit for someone with strong analytical skills and experience in government or defense cost management who enjoys solving complex financial puzzles.
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Acq Demo Business and Technical Management to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
You may qualify at the NH NH-04 Broadband Level, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 grade level in the Federal service as listed below and must meet 3 of 5 specialized experience listed below to be qualified: Experience in collecting, normalizing, and analyzing cost data.
Authority in performing quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and risk analysis.
Subject Matter Expert in appropriate cost estimating and analysis methodologies, utilizing techniques such as linear and non-linear regression to determine cost estimating relationships (CERs).
Authority in updating and maintaining cost models capable of providing timely, reliable cost estimates.
Experience with standard cost-estimating tools and software, such as the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tool (ACEIT).
Specialist in generating credible, accurate, comprehensive, and documented Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), Program Office Estimates (POEs), and/or Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs).
Experience in documenting, preparing, and presenting cost estimates, cost analysis, cost studies, excursions, recommendations, and/or briefings to customers and stakeholders.
Note: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the NH-04 level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the, 1515 series as listed below: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.
Major Duties:
This position is being filled under AcqDemo Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for non-acquisition positions involving 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions within Business and Technical Management Professional Career path.
As an OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST at the NH-1515-4 broadband level, some of your typical work assignments may include: Serve as the principal cost estimating expert for the program/team, providing authoritative guidance and analysis to program/organization leadership.
Ensure all cost estimates and analysis comply with DoD and MDA directives, standards, templates, and procedures for preparing, documenting, and presenting reliable cost estimates.
Lead and ensure the uniform collection and reporting of cost, technical, and programmatic data across programs and contracts, consistent with statutory requirements.
Lead research efforts to advance cost and schedule estimating methodologies for the organization/program/team, addressing issues unique to complex missile defense technologies and rapid acquisition.
Lead, develop, apply, and document appropriate cost estimating and analysis methodologies, utilizing techniques such as linear and non-linear regression to determine cost estimating relationships (CERs).
Lead, develop, document, update, and deliver life-cycle cost estimates (LCCEs) and cost trade analysis for MDA programs to inform decision-making, program planning, resource allocation, and acquisition/contract efforts for MDA programs and initiatives.
Lead, prepare, document, and present cost estimates, cost analysis, cost studies, excursions, and recommendations to customers and stakeholders.
Lead, support, and review Congressional Request for Information (RFI) responses and statutory and oversight requirements including GAO audits.
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