Staff Cost Account Manager- Talon Program

Stratolaunch • Mojave, CA

6d • $119,000 - $172,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security. To enable these great efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Staff Cost Account Manager (CAM) with 10+ years of relevant experience. This role is responsible for the planning, management, and control of cost, schedule, and earned value performance across complex aerospace development and test programs. The CAM will partner closely with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, proactive risk identification, and consistent execution of cost‑control strategies. A successful candidate is comfortable working with large budgets, evolving technical requirements, and fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary teams.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in cost control, earned value management, financial planning and analysis, or program controls within aerospace, defense, or high‑technology environments.
• Demonstrated success managing complex development or test program budgets exceeding $30M annually.
• Strong understanding of earned value management principles (EVMS), WBS development, baseline planning, and financial variance analysis.
• Experience supporting engineering teams, supply chain, and program management in a matrixed environment.
• Ability to interpret technical scope and translate it into accurate cost plans and forecasts.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Excel and financial modeling; experience with EVMS and/or ERP tools (COBRA, Empower, Deltek, or similar).
• Strong communication, facilitation, and executive‑level briefing skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Aerospace development, test operations, or launch vehicle program experience.
• Experience supporting government cost reporting (CPR/IPMR, CFSR).
• Familiarity with aircraft operations or hypersonic test environments.
• PMP, EVMP, or advanced cost management certification.
• Experience supporting classified programs or secure environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary cost responsibility owner for assigned control accounts, collaborating with engineering and program leads to ensure alignment across cost, schedule, and technical scope.
• Mentor cost analysts and early‑career CAMs on EVMS principles, forecasting, and financial discipline.
• Represent the cost function during internal reviews, business rhythms, and customer engagements.
• Develop, maintain, and manage control account plans (CAPs), including work breakdown structure (WBS) mapping, baseline planning, and resource allocation.
• Lead earned value management processes, including variance analysis, estimate‑to‑complete (ETC) revisions, and monthly performance reporting.
• Monitor actual costs, commitments, and accruals to ensure accuracy and alignment with program objectives.
• Drive integrated cost/schedule planning with program schedulers to maintain realistic, executable plans.
• Identify cost performance trends and develop mitigation or recovery plans.
• Produce regular cost performance reports, variance explanations, and program financial briefing materials.
• Support development of the program’s long‑range financial plan, quarterly re‑forecasts, and budget updates.
• Ensure compliance with EVMS standards, contract requirements, and internal financial governance.
• Support customer‑facing cost reviews, contract audits, and negotiations related to cost adjustments or scope changes.
• Partner with Contracts and Finance to validate billing milestones, funding profiles, and revenue forecasting.
• Support classified program cost operations as required.
• Lead cost‑related risk and opportunity identification, analysis, and mitigation planning.
• Ensure all cost controls align with regulatory, contractual, and company cost‑accounting standards.
• Partner with engineering and test leads to evaluate cost‑related risk impacts associated with design changes, manufacturing challenges, supply chain constraints, and flight‑test uncertainties.
• Help advance cost‑management best practices and tools across the organization.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that streamline reporting, improve forecasting accuracy, and enhance financial insight for leadership.
• Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior