Christian Smart

Background

About Christian Smart

With over two decades of experience and holding an active TS/SCI clearance, I am a highly accomplished Cost Engineer and Data Scientist currently at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). My career is distinguished by a deep specialization in cost analytics, risk management, and the innovative application of machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, and statistical modeling to complex aerospace and defense programs. At JPL, I lead the development of independent cost and schedule risk analyses for critical spacecraft project milestone reviews. I leverage a variety of commercial and bespoke parametric tools, alongside cutting-edge Bayesian techniques and machine learning algorithms to enhance cost estimating accuracy and integrate earned value data into risk analysis. I have developed Python software for cost risk analysis and creating user-friendly Excel interfaces for historical mission cost growth data. Before joining JPL, I served as Chief Scientist at Galorath Federal, where I was a company-wide authority on parametric cost models and risk analytics. I provided consulting services to government agencies, including the Department of Defense and NASA, on diverse projects ranging from hypersonic weapons to nuclear thermal propulsion. My work involved applying advanced machine learning methods, such as regression trees, support vector machines, and ensemble techniques, to traditional cost estimating. My leadership experience includes several years as Cost Director for the Missile Defense Agency, where headed a 150-person team in implementing best practices and standardizing cost reporting. I also had the privilege of supporting NASA as a contractor, leading the development of the NASA/Air Cost Model and pioneering its risk analysis capabilities. For my contributions I was awarded an Exceptional Public Service Medal from NASA. As a recognized thought leader in the professional cost community, I actively research, present, and teach at conferences, earning 15 best paper awards. I have been a Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst since 2004. Specialties: Cost Analytics, Statistics, Machine Learning, Algorithm Development, Enterprise Risk Management, Parametrics, Risk Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Department of Defense, Missile Defense, NASA. Check out my book Solving for Project Risk Management: Understanding the Critical Role of Uncertainty in Project Management, to be published by McGraw-Hill this November. Now available for order from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can read Chapter 1 for free - https://bit.ly/3ggPZK2