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