Cost Analyst
Desired Start Date: No later than 2 weeks after award
Location: Remote
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Security Clearance required at time of employment
Position Summary
Fairwinds Technologies is seeking an experienced Cost Analyst to support a high-visibility Department of Defense (DoD) AWACS aircraft modernization program. The selected candidate will provide cost analysis, earned value management (EVM), financial forecasting, program controls, and compliance reporting throughout the program lifecycle.
The Cost Analyst will partner with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Contracts, Subcontractors, and Government stakeholders to ensure accurate cost performance measurement, schedule integration, budget forecasting, and compliance with DoD cost reporting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, monitor, and maintain program budgets, Estimates at Completion (EACs), Estimates to Complete (ETCs), and financial forecasts.
Analyze actual costs against budgeted costs and identify cost variances, trends, risks, and opportunities.
Support financial planning activities for engineering, integration, testing, logistics, cybersecurity, training, and aircraft installation efforts.
Conduct detailed labor, material, subcontract, travel, and indirect cost analyses.
Develop cost strategies and recommendations to improve program performance and reduce financial risk.
Support program leadership with cost impact assessments related to engineering changes, risk mitigation activities, and contract modifications.
Support implementation and maintenance of an Earned Value Management System (EVMS).
Assist with Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) and maintenance of the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB).
Generate and analyze Cost Performance Index (CPI), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), Cost Variance (CV), Schedule Variance (SV), and Variance at Completion (VAC).
Prepare Earned Value metrics and performance narratives for internal management and Government reviews.
Ensure cost reporting is traceable through Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Level 3 reporting requirements.
Collaborate with Program Schedulers to maintain alignment between budgeted resources and the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
Analyze schedule impacts on program costs and provide proactive recommendations.
Support development and maintenance of the Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS).
Ensure cost and schedule integration supports program performance measurement and compliance requirements.
Support Cost and Software Data Reporting (CSDR) submissions in accordance with DoD guidance.
Participate in program risk management activities.
Quantify financial impacts of technical, schedule, and supply chain risks.
Support development of cost mitigation strategies and scenario analyses.
Track cost implications associated with long-lead procurements, subcontract performance, and engineering changes.
Support Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings, and executive leadership reviews.
Develop financial presentations, dashboards, performance metrics, and decision-support materials.
Present cost performance analyses and recommendations to senior leadership and Government stakeholders.
Support contract negotiations, change proposals, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and work request costing activities.
Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
Support internal audits, DCMA reviews, customer audits, and EVMS surveillance activities.
Ensure financial information is traceable, defensible, and compliant with contract requirements.
Assist with data calls, reporting deliverables, and program documentation requirements.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related technical discipline.
Experience
9+ years of cost analysis, program control, financial planning, or earned value management experience.
5+ experience supporting DoD acquisition programs, Aerospace and defense contracts, and complex engineering development programs.
5+ experience with EVMS, IPMDAR, CFSR, CSDR, CWBS development, and Integrated Master Schedules (IMSs).
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Knowledge of DFARS requirements, DCMA surveillance processes, DoD acquisition lifecycle management, and Integrated Baseline Reviews
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience preparing executive-level reports and briefings.
Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills.
Experience with AWACS, ISR, C2, airborne communications, or large aircraft mission systems.
Compensation - Salary
At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full time, exempt position.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to work in the US. Must hold active DoD Secret Clearance.
AAP/EEO Statement
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related technical discipline.
- 9+ years of cost analysis, program control, financial planning, or earned value management experience.
- 5+ years supporting DoD acquisition programs, aerospace and defense contracts, and complex engineering development programs.
- 5+ years of experience with EVMS, IPMDAR, CFSR, CSDR, CWBS development, and Integrated Master Schedules.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of DFARS requirements, DCMA surveillance processes, DoD acquisition lifecycle management, and Integrated Baseline Reviews.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience preparing executive-level reports and briefings.
- Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills.
- Experience with AWACS, ISR, C2, airborne communications, or large aircraft mission systems.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Must hold an active DoD Secret security clearance.
What We Do
Fairwinds Technologies is a systems integrator and engineering services company that offers a full spectrum of communications solutions from planning and design to implementation and post deployment support. Offering integrated, reliable and affordable solutions, Fairwinds believes working closely with Customers to design and develop a custom, technical design that best fits their requirements is paramount. This level of service sets our company apart from agencies that sell pre-packaged box solutions that may not fully meet a complex need. Today, highly mobile, interoperable, rugged, and secure technology; anywhere – anytime is expected and Fairwinds delivers. We service land, maritime and airborne Customer requirements domestically and internationally.
