Program Cost Manager

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight. Position Overview We are seeking a Program Cost Manager to build, implement, and manage the cost framework for a high-priority aerospace development program. This role is responsible for developing program budgets, forecasting costs, tracking financial performance, managing cost risks, and providing leadership with clear visibility into program expenditures, commitments, and financial outcomes. The ideal candidate combines strong program cost management experience with a hands-on understanding of engineering, supply chain, and financial planning processes. This individual will partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Accounting, and FP&A teams while leveraging AI-enabled tools and automation to improve forecasting accuracy, reporting efficiency, and decision-making. Key Responsibilities Develop and maintain the program cost framework, including materials, operating expenses, labor costs, and long-range financial planning Partner with Engineering teams to develop, maintain, and monitor bill of materials (BOM) budgets and cost projections Forecast supplier, engineering services, testing, manufacturing, and deployment costs throughout the program lifecycle Monitor actual spending against budgets, forecasts, commitments, and contracts while identifying variances and corrective actions Provide program leaders and executives with proactive visibility into cost risks, opportunities, and financial performance Perform cost trade studies and financial analysis to support key business decisions, including sourcing, procurement, and deployment strategies Design and maintain cost structures, work breakdown structures (WBS), cost codes, reporting hierarchies, and financial controls Prepare monthly cost reports, executive dashboards, forecasts, estimate-at-completion (EAC) updates, and leadership presentations Lead AI-driven initiatives that improve forecasting, variance analysis, spend management, contract review, and financial reporting processes Coordinate with FP&A and Accounting teams to support forecasting, accruals, capitalization, budgeting, and financial reporting requirements Establish and maintain program financial controls, approval processes, purchase order tracking, and contract change management activities Support strategic planning, funding requests, business cases, and executive decision-making processes Qualifications Education : Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Engineering Management, or a related discipline preferred Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience in program cost management, cost engineering, project controls, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), or related financial management roles Minimum 3 years supporting hardware development, manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defense, or large-scale technical programs Experience building and maintaining program budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting structures Experience managing supplier costs, contracts, purchase orders, and program financial controls Demonstrated experience utilizing AI tools, automation platforms, or advanced analytics solutions within finance or operational environments Preferred Qualifications: Aerospace, defense, satellite communications, manufacturing, or other complex engineering industry experience Experience building a cost framework for a new program, product line, or business unit Experience implementing AI-driven forecasting, contract analysis, spend analytics, or reporting automation solutions Experience supporting bill of materials (BOM) costing and should-cost analysis activities Familiarity with supplier contracts, engineering services agreements, milestone billing structures, and change order management Experience supporting capital-intensive programs and understanding capital expenditure (CapEx) versus operational expenditure (OpEx) planning Experience working in high-growth, fast-paced organizations with evolving processes and operational structures Soft Skills: Strong ownership mindset and ability to build processes from the ground up Excellent analytical and financial problem-solving skills Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, supply chain, finance, and executive leadership teams Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations Strong attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy Ability to identify risks early and proactively recommend solutions Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Continuous improvement mindset with enthusiasm for automation and emerging technologies Technology Stack: Oracle NetSuite or comparable ERP systems Microsoft Excel (advanced modeling, forecasting, pivot tables, and scenario analysis) Microsoft PowerPoint Power BI or similar business intelligence platforms AI assistants and generative AI tools Microsoft Copilot ChatGPT Claude Python Power Automate Microsoft Teams SharePoint Outlook Product lifecycle management (PLM) and BOM management systems Microsoft Project, Primavera, or comparable project controls tools Physical Requirements Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods Ability to review financial reports, contracts, engineering documentation, and cost models Ability to participate in cross-functional meetings, business reviews, and executive presentations Occasional travel of approximately 10–20% to manufacturing, testing, supplier, and partner locations Ability to walk manufacturing floors, testing facilities, and operational sites while following required safety protocols Benefits & Perks At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary Supplemental Benefits Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays Career Growth and Development Opportunities This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands . AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by 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.