Deputy Cost Chief
Department: Department of the Air Force
Location(s): Peterson AFB, Colorado
Salary Range: $129096 - $197200 Per Year
Job Summary: 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.
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
Qualifications: 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.
How to Apply: Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Application Deadline: 2026-03-16