Program Cost Manager

AST SpaceMobile•Dallas, TX

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is building SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide 4G/5G connectivity to standard smartphones around the world. The Program Cost Manager will build, implement, and manage the cost framework for a high-priority aerospace development program. The role develops program budgets, forecasts costs, tracks financial performance, manages cost risks, and gives leadership visibility into expenditures, commitments, and financial outcomes. The position partners with Engineering, Supply Chain, Accounting, and FP&A teams. It calls for program cost management experience and a practical understanding of engineering, supply chain, and financial planning processes. The role also uses AI-enabled tools and automation to improve forecasting, reporting, and decision-making. The role may involve occasional travel of approximately 10–20% to manufacturing, testing, supplier, and partner locations. The employee works in a standard office environment and may walk manufacturing floors, testing facilities, and operational sites while following required safety protocols.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in program cost management, cost engineering, project controls, FP&A, or related financial management roles.
At least 3 years supporting hardware development, manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defense, or large-scale technical programs.
Experience building and maintaining program budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting structures.
Experience managing supplier costs, contracts, purchase orders, and program financial controls.
Demonstrated experience using AI tools, automation platforms, or advanced analytics solutions in finance or operational environments.
Strong ownership mindset and ability to build processes from the ground up.
Excellent analytical and financial problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, supply chain, finance, and executive leadership teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy.
Ability to identify risks early and proactively recommend solutions.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for automation and emerging technologies.
Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
Ability to review financial reports, contracts, engineering documentation, and cost models.
Ability to participate in cross-functional meetings, business reviews, and executive presentations.
Ability to walk manufacturing floors, testing facilities, and operational sites while following required safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Engineering Management, or a related discipline.
Aerospace, defense, satellite communications, manufacturing, or other complex engineering industry experience.
Experience building a cost framework for a new program, product line, or business unit.
Experience implementing AI-driven forecasting, contract analysis, spend analytics, or reporting automation solutions.
Experience supporting BOM costing and should-cost analysis activities.
Familiarity with supplier contracts, engineering services agreements, milestone billing structures, and change order management.
Experience supporting capital-intensive programs and understanding CapEx versus OpEx planning.
Experience working in high-growth, fast-paced organizations with evolving processes and operational structures.
Familiarity with Oracle NetSuite or comparable ERP systems; advanced Microsoft Excel modeling, forecasting, pivot tables, and scenario analysis; Microsoft PowerPoint; Power BI or similar business intelligence platforms; AI assistants and generative AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude; Python; Power Automate; Microsoft Teams; SharePoint; Outlook; PLM and BOM management systems; and Microsoft Project, Primavera, or comparable project controls tools.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the program cost framework, including materials, operating expenses, labor costs, and long-range financial planning.
Partner with Engineering teams to develop, maintain, and monitor bill of materials (BOM) budgets and cost projections.
Forecast supplier, engineering services, testing, manufacturing, and deployment costs throughout the program lifecycle.
Monitor actual spending against budgets, forecasts, commitments, and contracts; identify variances and corrective actions.
Provide program leaders and executives with proactive visibility into cost risks, opportunities, and financial performance.
Perform cost trade studies and financial analysis to support business decisions, including sourcing, procurement, and deployment strategies.
Design and maintain cost structures, work breakdown structures (WBS), cost codes, reporting hierarchies, and financial controls.
Prepare monthly cost reports, executive dashboards, forecasts, estimate-at-completion (EAC) updates, and leadership presentations.
Lead AI-driven initiatives to improve forecasting, variance analysis, spend management, contract review, and financial reporting.
Coordinate with FP&A and Accounting to support forecasting, accruals, capitalization, budgeting, and financial reporting requirements.
Establish and maintain program financial controls, approval processes, purchase order tracking, and contract change management activities.
Support strategic planning, funding requests, business cases, and executive decision-making processes.