Principal Cost Account Manager

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to 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

Principal-level ($146,000-$194,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field and 12+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

This position is located in Mojave, CA

Relocation eligible to local area

Travel estimated to be approximately 10% or less

9/80 schedule

#LI-onsite#LI-AM1

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