Program Cost Analyst

Program Cost Analyst – DHS Counter‑Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C‑UAS) Program

Overview

The Program Cost Analyst supports the DHS C‑UAS Program by developing, maintaining, and analyzing standardized cost systems and financial models that ensure program budgets, acquisition strategies, and operational objectives are met. This role provides detailed cost research, forecasting, financial tracking, and budget execution support across C‑UAS test activities, pilot deployments, technology procurements, and Component coordination.

Role Impact

The Program Cost Analyst ensures financial discipline within the C‑UAS Program, enabling DHS to test, evaluate, and deploy advanced technologies effectively while managing significant federal funding streams.

Locations: Annapolis, MD, Baltimore, MD, or DC.

Salary Range: $108,000 - $114,000

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a standardized cost‑tracking system that aligns to DHS financial governance and C‑UAS operational requirements.
• Support planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance metrics for T&E, acquisition, and sustainment activities.
• Research and analyze costs for C‑UAS projects, technologies, equipment, test events, and vendors.
• Conduct lifecycle cost analysis, cost‑benefit analysis, variance analysis, and spend‑burn analysis.
• Support annual planning for variable and fixed costs, including test campaigns, operational deployments, and equipment purchases.
• Track budget execution and develop funding profiles for phased activities.
• Enhance cost estimation methods and data‑collection processes.
• Recommend improvements in cost documentation, dashboards, and financial procedures.
• Assist in month‑end review and financial closeout activities.
• Generate cost reports, dashboards, and funding‑impact analyses for leadership upon request.
• Support audit readiness and compliance with DHS program requirements.
• Collaborate with program managers, engineering, procurement, finance and other teams as needed.
• Provide cost inputs for acquisition packages and program documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a U.S citizen with a valid secret security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5-7+ years of cost analysis, budget analysis, or financial planning experience required.
• Experience with cost systems and financial modeling tools (Excel, Power BI, etc.).
• Knowledge of federal grant budgeting, financial management and cost estimation.
• Experience with DHS, DoD, or federal programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with UAS/C‑UAS technologies.
• Experience with R&D or T&E cost structures.

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.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity