Program Cost Manager

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.