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.
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 ResponsibilitiesStrategic 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Skills Required
- 15+ years of progressive experience in program controls, cost management, earned value management, or financial leadership within aerospace, defense, or high-technology fields
- Experience managing cost performance for complex multidisciplinary programs exceeding $50 million to $100 million 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
- Ability to influence technical and programmatic decisions based on financial insight
- Mastery of Microsoft Excel and proficiency with EVMS 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
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
- 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
Stratolaunch Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Stratolaunch and has not been reviewed or approved by Stratolaunch.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Fair & Transparent Compensation: Pay is considered competitive for many roles, with posted ranges for engineers and specialized hourly positions that indicate robust bands. Public self-reported packages also point to strong totals for some technical titles.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare Strength: Coverage includes multiple PPO/HMO options with HSA/HRA support and employer seeding, plus a monthly health-club reimbursement. These elements indicate comprehensive medical choices accompanied by meaningful wellness perks.
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Retirement Support — Retirement Support: A 401(k) program offers a company match up to an annual cap with a two‑year vesting schedule. This structure stands out as a meaningful long‑term savings benefit.
Stratolaunch Insights
What We Do
Stratolaunch LLC designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to fulfill several important national needs, including the need to significantly advance U.S. hypersonic flight test capabilities and help improve the nation’s ability to design and operate cutting edge hypersonic vehicles. Our hypersonic testbeds will provide customizable, reusable, and affordable access to the Mach 5+ flight regime. We are delivering the world’s premiere hypersonic flight test services.
Why Work With Us
We offer customers the ability to perform risk reduction via affordable and routine flight test for their critical technologies. We offer an operationally realistic environment, enabling us to test in the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes. With our reusable and low-cost system, customers can rapidly iterate the design of their t
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