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July 10, 2026

Cost Estimator

Mid • On-site

Washington, DC

We are currently seeking a qualified Cost Estimator to support the acquisition of Defense Health Systems for the Department of Defense (DoD).

Responsibilities

The Cost Estimator will support cost estimation and financial analysis activities for DoD acquisition programs under close mentorship from senior cost estimation staff. This role is ideal for a junior-to-mid-level professional looking to grow their expertise in defense cost estimating while contributing to budgeting, spend planning, and reporting efforts in collaboration with the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Team.

  • Assist in developing cost estimates in support of Defense Health Systems acquisition activities.
  • Apply statistical techniques (e.g., regression analysis, basic Monte Carlo simulation) under senior guidance to support cost risk analysis.
  • Analyze historical program data to help refine cost models and estimate future program costs.
  • Support the development of spend plans using program office data, coordinating with FP&A leadership.
  • Assist in organizing and participating in budget planning meetings.
  • Contribute to written deliverables including reports, dashboards, and briefing materials.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to support program objectives.
  • Support contract proposal evaluations and acquisition documentation as directed.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, Mathematics, Accounting, or related quantitative discipline.
  • 2–5 years of relevant cost estimation, financial analysis, or budget analysis experience.
  • Minimum 1 year of federal government work experience; DoD experience strongly preferred.
  • Exposure to ACEIT tools including ACE, POST, and Librarian.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.
  • Understanding of DoD contracts, budgeting, and acquisition processes.
  • Familiarity with the PPBE process.
  • Working knowledge of DoD Instruction 5000.73.
  • Basic familiarity with MIL-STD-881F and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) concepts.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certification or active pursuit of CCEA or PCEA.
  • Experience using GFEBS.
  • Exposure to Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts.
  • DoD Financial Management Certification Level I or II (DFMC-1/DFMC-2).
  • DAU coursework or certification in Business Financial Management (BFM) or Business Cost Estimating (BCE).
  • Familiarity with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) concepts.
  • Experience with agile or project management methodologies.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with both location and experience.

Employee Expectations

  • Attention to Detail: Produce high-quality deliverables and outputs that align with contract outcomes.
  • Self-Sufficiency: Execute tasks independently while aligning requests with contract goals.
  • Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with team members, subcontractors, and government stakeholders.
  • Communication/Engagement: Maintain professional conduct in meetings and written communication.
  • Responsiveness: Stay engaged, communicate promptly, and ensure deadlines are consistently met.

Benefits

  • 15 days of Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Federal Holidays
  • 401K Program (up to 4% employer matching)
  • Three Gold Healthcare Options with 75%-90% employer-paid premiums
  • Flexible Spending Account / Dependent Care Assistance Program
  • Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Employer-Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance
  • Professional Training and Development
  • Corporate Team Building Events
  • And more

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, gender, religious or political beliefs, national origin or heritage, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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