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Principal 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.

Principal Cost Account Manager

 

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 support these critical efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Cost Account Manager (CAM) with 15+ years of experience in program controls, earned value management, financial leadership, and large‑scale aerospace program execution. This highly visible role provides strategic financial insight, leads cost governance for major development and test campaigns, and partners with Program Management, Engineering, and Operations to ensure disciplined cost performance across complex, multi‑year programs.

A successful candidate is a seasoned expert in cost management, capable of influencing technical decisions, guiding cross‑functional teams, and driving long‑term financial health in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Cost Leadership

  • Serve as the senior cost authority for major program segments, driving strategy, governance, and oversight of cost performance across multiple control accounts.
  • Provide executive‑level financial guidance to Program Directors, Chief Engineers, and senior leadership.
  • Lead development of long‑term cost roadmaps, annual budget strategies, and investment plans matched to evolving program priorities.
  • Provide stewardship of EVMS compliance across assigned programs; guide internal process improvement and portfolio‑wide EVMS maturity.

Expert Program Controls & Execution

  • Own cost, schedule, and earned value performance for highly complex development, integration, and flight‑test scope.
  • Lead control account planning, baseline development, resource allocation, and critical-path cost/schedule analysis.
  • Perform advanced trend analysis, multi-scenario forecasting, and integration of engineering/technical risks into cost projections.
  • Direct creation and review of monthly performance reports, variance narratives, and executive briefings.
  • Drive cross-functional recovery plans where cost, schedule, or technical performance deviate from expectations.

Financial Systems, Tools & Governance

  • Oversee EVMS tools, cost modeling systems, and reporting infrastructure improvements; mentor teams on best practices and advanced techniques.
  • Collaborate with Finance, Contracts, and Program Management to maintain accurate revenue forecasts, billing profiles, and funding strategies.
  • Support audits, customer formal reviews, and compliance assessments.

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 development of proposals, ROMs, BOEs, and strategic pricing strategies for new business growth.
  • 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.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Mentor cost analysts, junior CAMs, and cross-functional teammates on EVMS, cost analysis, forecasting, and program financial discipline.
  • Help shape organization-wide program control policies, standards, training, and tools.
  • Support talent development, including onboarding, coaching, and succession planning.

Travel

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

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in program controls, cost management, earned value management, or financial leadership within aerospace, defense, or high‑technology fields.
  • Demonstrated experience managing cost performance for complex multi‑disciplinary programs exceeding $50M–$100M annually.
  • Expert knowledge of EVMS principles, government reporting requirements, baseline planning, and performance management.
  • Strong analytical and strategic‑thinking capabilities, including scenario modeling and long‑term forecasting.
  • Proven ability to influence technical and programmatic decisions based on financial insight.
  • Mastery of MS Excel and proficiency with EVMS and/or ERP tools such as COBRA, Empower, Deltek, or equivalents.
  • Strong executive‑level communication and briefing capability.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Aerospace development, flight test, or launch vehicle program experience.
  • Direct experience with IPMR/CPR, CFSR, and other government reporting frameworks.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, integration campaigns, or hypersonic test operations.
  • PMP, EVMP, or advanced program/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.
  • 15+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • $148,000-$203,000.  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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