Principal Cost Engineer
Job description
About the role
Principal Cost Engineer
Epirus builds solid-state, software-defined directed energy systems. The Principal Cost Engineer defines how cost is captured and evaluated across the entire lifespan of these systems. This role translates complex program data into clear affordability insights for defense customers. The position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
This is a full-time position based in Torrance, California, with a competitive compensation package.
Role Focus
The Principal Cost Engineer establishes and maintains the cost capture strategy for Epirus platforms. The focus is on quantifying the financial impact of design and operational decisions over the entire lifespan of a system. This involves creating structure where it may not currently exist.
Key responsibilities include designing a standardized framework for tracking costs. This framework moves beyond simple budgeting to evaluate the true Total life cycle Cost and Average Unit Life Cycle Cost. The role requires capturing detailed procurement and sustainment data. This data is used to calculate metrics such as Cost per Operational System and Average Procurement Unit Cost.
The engineer builds cross-functional models with engineering, finance, and logistics teams. These models are used to support proposals and influence early design decisions. A core part of the role is evaluating reliability and maintainability drivers. The goal is to influence affordability throughout the evolution of a platform.
The position challenges assumptions using rigorous data analysis. This validates lifecycle affordability and supports competitive positioning. The role translates technical trade studies into clear financial impacts. These insights are communicated to both leadership and customer stakeholders. Continuous improvement of data capture methods and reporting accuracy is expected.
Qualifications
Candidates hold a Bachelor degree in engineering, finance, or a related quantitative field. They bring a minimum of three years of experience in cost engineering, analysis, or program finance. This experience is typically gained in defense or other high-tech sectors.
The ideal candidate demonstrates skill in managing large data sets. They apply structured methods to identify and evaluate cost drivers. Effective communication is essential. The ability to present complex financial data to both technical and executive audiences using precise language is required.
Preferred Experience
Experience with defense directed energy systems or power management applications is a significant advantage. Familiarity with the unique cost structures of these technologies allows for more accurate analysis.
Core Competencies
Success in this role requires strong skills in cost analysis and LCC methodologies. Proficiency with data visualization and reporting tools is essential. The ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams is critical.
The Principal Cost Engineer plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term affordability and viability of Epirus technologies. This position directly influences product evolution and strategic decision-making.
What you'll do
- Meet the bar Practical notes
About the company
Epirus develops directed energy systems that combine high-power microwaves, AI, and advanced electronics to shape electronic warfare effects. The work focuses on counter-unmanned aerial systems and counter-swarm operations, using long-pulse high-power microwave capabilities.
You will help characterize system behavior, integrate hardware and software, and translate field data into scalable electronic warfare solutions. The role suits engineers who prefer concrete measurements and iterative problem solving.
About the role
The owns the end-to-end cost architecture for the portfolio of solid-state directed energy systems, establishing the foundational methodology that determines how every dollar is tracked, analyzed, and reported across the entire program lifecycle. This role translates ambiguous engineering concepts and evolving technical requirements into quantifiable financial impacts, providing the data backbone that supports strategic investment decisions and long-term affordability commitments to customers. The Principal Cost Engineer serves as the primary cost authority, challenging existing assumptions with rigorous analysis to validate lifecycle affordability and ensure that cost considerations are integrated from the earliest design phases through deployment and sustainment. They own the development and maintenance of the cost model, defining the structure, logic, and data relationships that drive transparency and consistency in financial reporting for both internal planning and external proposal activities. This position directly influences the affordability trajectory of the platform by quantifying the financial implications of trade studies, design changes, and supply chain decisions, ensuring that cost performance remains predictable and defensible. The engineer collaborates closely with program leadership to communicate complex cost dynamics in a clear, actionable manner, enabling stakeholders to understand the financial risks and opportunities associated with technical choices. Ultimately, this role defines the financial narrative of the program, ensuring that cost data tells a coherent story that aligns with mission objectives and customer expectations.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Define the cost capture and lifecycle costing methodology for directed energy systems, ensuring alignment with program objectives and customer requirements.
- Establish a standardized framework for collecting, analyzing, and reporting cost data that evolves with program maturity and system complexity.
- Quantify the Total Life Cycle Cost and Average Unit Life Cycle Cost for programs, translating design and operational decisions into financial metrics.
- Calculate key financial indicators such as Cost per Operational System and Average Procurement Unit Cost to support budgeting, justification, and proposal development.
- Build and maintain cross-functional cost models in collaboration with engineering, finance, and logistics teams to evaluate affordability throughout the system lifecycle.
- Analyze procurement and sustainment data to identify cost drivers, trends, and anomalies, providing insights that inform decision-making and risk management.
- Support proposal and bid strategies by developing cost models that evaluate affordability, competitiveness, and financial viability of program concepts.
- Evaluate reliability, maintainability, and supportability drivers to assess their impact on life cycle costs and system affordability.
- Translate technical trade studies and design alternatives into clear financial representations for leadership and customer stakeholders.
- Continuously improve data capture processes, reporting accuracy, and analytical methods to enhance the integrity and utility of cost information.
Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor degree in engineering, finance, or a related quantitative field.
- Bring a minimum of three years of professional experience in cost engineering, analysis, or program finance.
- Demonstrate experience in defense or other high-technology sectors where complex systems require rigorous cost management.
- Show the ability to manage and interpret large data sets using structured analytical methods.
- Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex financial data to technical and executive audiences.
- Apply precise language and clear logic when conveying financial implications, trade-off decisions, and cost impacts to stakeholders.
- Meet the eligibility criteria as defined
- Adhere to the standards and expectations outlined Nice to have
- Possess prior experience with defense directed energy systems or power management applications, enabling more accurate cost modeling and analysis.
- Understand the unique cost structures, development patterns, and sustainment models associated with directed energy technologies.
Practical notes
- This is a full-time position based in Torrance, California.
- The role may involve collaboration with distributed teams and occasional travel as required by program needs.
- Visa sponsorship may be considered for qualified candidates, subject to business needs and eligibility.
- Start date is contingent upon finalization of the offer and successful completion of any required onboarding processes.
- Applicants are instructed to
- The posting will remain open until filled, and early application is encouraged to ensure full consideration.
- Epirus is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming diverse talent to contribute to cutting-edge defense technologies.