Ascension LLC is seeking a Senior Cost Estimating Quality Assurance Analyst to serve as a critical contributor supporting federal cost estimation, validation, and quality review efforts. This role is essential to ensuring that all cost estimates meet GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide standards, DoD methodologies, and federal best practices.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytically rigorous professional who brings deep experience in cost estimate validation, independent review, and QA/QC processes. This individual will play a key role in safeguarding the integrity, defensibility, and auditability of cost models used to inform high-impact government decisions.

This position is highly visible and directly supports mission-critical financial and acquisition decision-making. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in structured and ambiguous environments, advising senior stakeholders, and identifying risks, inconsistencies, and improvement opportunities across cost estimating processes.

Position Summary

The Senior Cost Estimating QA Analyst is responsible for conducting independent reviews of cost estimates, validating methodologies, ensuring compliance with federal estimating standards, and supporting continuous improvement of cost estimating practices.

This role requires a strong understanding of cost modeling techniques, risk analysis, sensitivity analysis, and lifecycle cost estimating, as well as experience applying frameworks such as GAO, ICE (Independent Cost Estimate), and DoD CAPE guidance.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to detect inconsistencies, gaps, and risks in cost estimates
• Experience working with large datasets, cost models, and estimation tools (e.g., SEER, ACEIT, Excel-based models)
• Strong communication skills to translate technical findings into actionable insights

Ascension’s professionals support federal clients through data-driven analysis, structured methodologies, and continuous improvement frameworks to enhance decision-making and program performance .

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation reviews of cost estimates, assumptions, and methodologies
• Assess compliance with GAO Cost Estimating Guide, DoD, and agency-specific standards
• Evaluate cost models for accuracy, completeness, traceability, and credibility
• Conduct sensitivity analysis, risk analysis, and uncertainty assessments
• Identify inconsistencies, gaps, and methodological weaknesses in estimates
• Document QA/QC findings and develop corrective action recommendations
• Collaborate with cost estimators, analysts, and program stakeholders to resolve issues
• Develop and maintain QA/QC checklists, review frameworks, and validation templates
• Support development of Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and validation reports
• Prepare and deliver briefings and technical reports for leadership and stakeholders
• Ensure audit readiness and documentation traceability for all cost estimating activities
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance cost estimating quality