Principal Cost Engineer

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing solid-state, software-defined directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to optimize power efficiency in defense and commercial applications. With a constant emphasis on innovation, we are redefining the future of power to bring tomorrow’s capabilities to life, today. And that’s just the beginning.

Job Summary:

Epirus is seeking a Principal Cost Engineer responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive data capture and cost evaluation program to quantify and optimize the total life cycle cost (LCC) of Epirus platforms and products. This role integrates engineering, logistics, finance, and program management data to inform design decisions, support proposals, and improve long-term affordability and operational readiness. This role is a direct report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a standardized LCC data capture framework across platform and product lines for items such as Total life cycle Cost, Average Unit Life Cycle Cost, Cost per Operational System, average Procurement Unit Cost (APUC), reliability and Maintainability Cost Drivers and Operations and Support metrics.
• Be able to quantify total ownership cost across the full system lifecycle (concept → development → production → operations & support → disposal).
• Structured data to support design trades, affordability analysis, sustainment planning, and program control
• Establish data analytics & Continuous Improvement constructs for platforms and products.
• Define cost element structures (CES) aligned with DoD and industry standards (e.g., O&S cost categories)
• Integrate LCC data pipelines with existing systems (ERP, PLM, sustainment databases)

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or advanced degree with equivalent experience
• Experience developing or using life cycle cost models (LCC, TCO, O&S cost analysis)
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in tools such as Excel, Python, MATLAB, or cost modeling software
• Familiarity with reliability/maintainability (R&M) principles and logistics support concepts

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Business (MBA)
• Experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle and cost analysis frameworks
• Knowledge of standards such as MIL-HDBK-881 (WBS), MIL-HDBK-217 (reliability), and DoD O&S cost estimating guides
• Experience integrating data from ERP/PLM systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Teamcenter)
• Background in parametric cost estimating tools (e.g., SEER, PRICE)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.

For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is:

$138,000—$164,500 USD