Job Title: Cost Analyst / Senior Cost Analyst Contract Type: Contract or Permanent Clearance Requirement: NV1 (Negative Vetting 1) Security Clearance REQUIRED .Applications without this clearance will not be considered.Job Overview: We are seeking a Cost Analyst / Senior Cost Analyst, where you will be responsible for managing the costs associated with the full lifecycle of defence systems-specifically military aircraft and related technologies.Your role will ensure that these systems remain affordable over time, while still meeting the required standards for performance, quality, and functionality.This will involve cost modelling, cost analysis, and working closely with different teams to provide expert advice on cost management throughout the lifecycle of these systems.Key Responsibilities: Lifecycle Costing (LCC) Management: Lead and manage lifecycle cost activities, which includes estimating, analysing, and validating the total cost of ownership of defence systems throughout their life-from design and build, to maintenance, and decommissioning.Cost Modelling & Analysis: Develop and manage cost models (e.g.Life Cycle Costing (LCC), Total Ownership Cost (TOC), and Design to Cost (DTC)).Use these models to provide cost estimates and identify potential cost-saving opportunities across different stages of the system lifecycle.Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work with multi-disciplinary teams (engineering, project management, logistics) and senior leadership to provide cost advice and insights.Ensure effective communication of cost impacts and trade-offs, particularly when changes to design or requirements occur.Cost Impact Assessment: Assess how changes in design, maintenance, reliability, supportability, and other factors impact the overall cost of the systems.Provide recommendations to reduce costs while maintaining the required functionality and quality.Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and update cost-related reports, presentations, and financial documents for senior leadership and stakeholders.Support contract negotiations and approvals with detailed cost breakdowns and analyses.Support & Advice: Provide expert advice on lifecycle cost issues to the wider team, including supporting the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Manager and Project Managers during decision-making processes related to contract negotiations, cost estimations, and other key activities.Essential Skills & Experience: Security Clearance: You must have NV1 (Negative Vetting 1) security clearance.This is a strict requirement, and applications without this clearance will not be considered .Experience: Minimum 12 years' experience in cost modelling, analysis, and lifecycle cost management (particularly in complex defence or aerospace systems).Demonstrated experience with Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and understanding the Defence acquisition and sustainment processes.Technical Skills: Strong experience with cost modelling tools and software, such as MS Excel, Capability Costing Tool (CCT), and ACEIT .Knowledge of key cost estimation techniques like Life Cycle Costing (LCC), Design to Cost (DTC), and Total Ownership Cost (TOC) .Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, engineers, and project managers.Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities and an ability to perform detailed cost analysis across the entire lifecycle of defence systems.Desirable Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related field.Experience in the defence sector, particularly in cost management for defence acquisition and sustainment programs.Travel Requirements: Some interstate travel may be required to visit key project sites and meet with stakeholders in locations such as Williamtown NSW, Adelaide SA, Canberra ACT, and Darwin NT.How to Apply: If you have the required skills and experience, and hold the necessary NV1 Security Clearance, we encourage you to apply.This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in a high-profile defence project, ensuring that complex systems remain affordable and sustainable over their entire lifecycle.This version provides more detail on the job's responsibilities and requirements, while still being clear about the essential need for NV1 clearance.It should give potential candidates a better understanding of what the role involves and what's expected of them.