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Staff Cost Account Manager- Talon Program

Mojave, California, United States

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • 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.

Cost Control, Planning & Execution

  • 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.

Financial Forecasting & Reporting

  • 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.

Customer, Stakeholder & Contract Support

  • 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.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • 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.

Organizational Contribution

  • 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.

Travel

  • Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 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.

Education/Experience/Compensation:

  • 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.
  • $119,000-$172,000.  Eligible for up to 15% annual bonus. 

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s): 

  • 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

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.  

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

 

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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