About Xander Government Solutions Xander Government Solutions is a trusted provider of specialized professional services supporting Department of Defense and federal government missions. Based in Maryland, Xander delivers highly qualified professionals who provide acquisition, program management, financial, analytical, and technical support to government customers. Xander is seeking a Cost Analyst to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to an Army program office at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland. The successful candidate will provide cost analysis, estimating, and financial decision-support expertise throughout the acquisition lifecycle and will work closely with government program managers, engineers, financial analysts, contracting personnel, and other stakeholders. Position Summary The Cost Analyst will perform cost analysis, cost estimating, and financial assessments in support of Army acquisition programs. The position will assist government program leadership in evaluating program costs, affordability, funding requirements, alternatives, and financial risks throughout the program lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting Department of Defense or Army acquisition programs and a working knowledge of cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and program financial analysis. This is a hands-on analytical position requiring strong quantitative, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Key Responsibilities Perform cost analysis and cost estimating in support of Army acquisition programs throughout the program lifecycle. Develop, maintain, and evaluate cost estimates, forecasts, and financial models. Support the development of Program Office Estimates (POEs), Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) as required. Analyze program costs associated with research and development, testing, production, deployment, sustainment, and operations. Conduct cost-benefit, affordability, sensitivity, and risk analyses. Evaluate the financial impact of program changes, engineering changes, acquisition strategies, schedules, and requirements. Support Analysis of Alternatives (AOAs), business case analyses, and acquisition strategy development. Track program costs against approved budgets, funding profiles, program baselines, and requirements. Support Earned Value Management (EVM) and cost/schedule performance analysis as required. Research historical program and technical data to develop cost estimating factors, assumptions, and methodologies. Work with program managers, engineers, logisticians, contracting personnel, financial managers, and subject matter experts to obtain and validate cost information. Identify cost drivers, trends, variances, risks, and potential cost impacts and communicate findings to program leadership. Prepare reports, briefings, charts, presentations, and other analytical products for government leadership and program reviews. Maintain accurate and traceable cost analysis documentation and supporting assumptions. Support program reviews, milestone activities, and other government decision-making processes. Ensure analytical products are consistent with applicable Army and DoD policies, regulations, and guidance. Participate in meetings with government and contractor stakeholders and provide recommendations based on quantitative analysis. Perform other analytical and program support duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. 3+ years of experience in cost analysis, cost estimating, financial analysis, program analysis, or a related discipline. Experience supporting DoD, Army, or federal government programs. Working knowledge of cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, or financial analysis. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to analyze and present financial data. Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting an Army Program Executive Office (PEO), Program Manager (PM), Product Manager (PdM), or Program Office. Experience developing or evaluating LCCE, POE, or IGCE products. Experience with ACEIT (Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools) or similar cost-estimating software. Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and cost/schedule performance analysis. Knowledge of PPBE, Army programming and budgeting processes, and DoD financial management. Familiarity with RDT&E, Procurement, and O&M funding. Knowledge of DoD 5000-series acquisition policies and Army acquisition regulations. Experience supporting Cost Review Boards (CRBs), milestone reviews, or other program-level cost reviews. Familiarity with Acquisition Program Baselines (APBs), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and cost/schedule risk management. Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other data visualization and analytics tools. Prior experience providing SETA or advisory support to a government program office is highly desirable. Desired Skills The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong attention to detail and data accuracy. Ability to analyze complex financial and programmatic data. Ability to identify cost trends, risks, and inconsistencies. Strong Excel and quantitative analysis capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop professional briefings and present analytical findings to government leadership. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. A proactive approach to identifying problems and recommending solutions. Security Requirements Active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. Work Environment This position is full-time and on-site at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The Cost Analyst will work in a professional government program-office environment and interact regularly with government civilians, military personnel, and contractor support staff. Why Join Xander Government Solutions? Xander Government Solutions is committed to providing our employees with competitive compensation, professional growth opportunities, and an environment where individual contributions directly support our customers' missions. Equal Employment Opportunity Xander Government Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay:

$125,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person