Corporate Controller

Posted 16 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Los Angeles, CA
In-Office
220K-260K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Transportation
Hermeus is a aircraft manufacturer focused on rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft.
The Role
The Corporate Controller will lead accounting and financial operations in a defense startup, ensuring compliance with government regulations and managing financial strategies.
Summary Generated by Built In
Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Controller to lead our accounting, compliance, and financial operations in a rapidly scaling defense technology startup. The ideal candidate has deep familiarity with FAR/DFARS, government contracting compliance, and cost accounting in both R&D and production environments. This individual will establish and refine the financial control framework that supports complex program lifecycles—from prototype development through low-rate initial production and full-rate manufacturing

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the accounting and compliance function, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP, FAR/DFARS, and internal control standards. 
  • Oversee cost accounting and indirect rate structures, maintaining compliance with CAS and DCAA audit requirements. 
  • Own the month-end close and financial reporting process, including preparation of financial statements, program-level reporting, and management dashboards. 
  • Support proposal pricing and cost volume development, working closely with program management and business development to build compliant, competitive bids. 
  • Design and implement accounting systems, policies, and procedures to support both development programs and production contracts. 
  • Coordinate audits and reviews, including DCAA, financial statement, and internal controls audits. 
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and contracts to align operational performance with financial outcomes. 
  • Manage treasury, insurance, and tax relationships, ensuring adequate liquidity and risk coverage as the company scales. 
  • Develop, mentor, and grow a high-performing accounting team capable of supporting the company’s rapid growth and government contracting complexity. 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required. 
  • 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a government contracting or defense environment. 
  • Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, CAS, and DCAA compliance requirements. 
  • Experience supporting both development (R&D) and production programs, ideally in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing. 
  • Expertise in proposal pricing, cost buildup, and audit-ready documentation. 
  • Proven ability to implement scalable financial systems (ERP) and internal controls in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Exceptional communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. 
  • Startup experience or the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, high-growth environment preferred. 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), program cost tracking, or government billing systems
  • Exposure to hybrid commercial/defense revenue models (e.g., dual-use technology). 
  • Prior experience in scaling from prototype to production environments. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

  • Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
  • Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
  • Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Must be able to travel as needed to support sites

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Top Skills

Cas
Dcaa
Dfars
Erp
Far
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The Company
HQ: Atlanta, GA
270 Employees
Year Founded: 2018

What We Do

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.

Utilizing an integrated, hardware-rich, iterative development approach to aircraft design and build, Hermeus aims to deliver advanced air power at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s. Hermeus’ current Quarterhorse Program is actively unlocking unmanned high-speed flight. One program, four aircraft – each purpose-built to unlock a specific technical challenge, advance learnings, and incrementally de-risk critical technology in the pursuit of hypersonic aircraft.

Today, Hermeus is building its second Quarterhorse vehicle, Mk 2, after having designed, built, and flight tested its predecessor, Mk 1, in 18 months. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3+, Quarterhorse Mk 2 will be the fastest uncrewed military aircraft in service for national defense. The final iteration of Quarterhorse, Mk 4, will be capable of transitioning from turbofan to ramjet mode utilizing a Hermeus-developed turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) propulsion system to achieve sustained speeds of Mach 5+.

Hermeus' approach of build-fly-build lays the groundwork for unlocking hypersonic flight at a pace and cost previously deemed impossible. America needs fast planes fast – and Hermeus is delivering them.

Why Work With Us

We prioritize hardware and people. Cutting-edge technology is only made possible by bringing together a world-class team. At Hermeus, you will be challenged – but also empowered. We encourage calculated risks taking and learning from our mistakes. Iteration is the name of the game.

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