Project Engineer, Systems Engineer

Job Title:

Engineering Cost Account Manager (CAM)

Job Description

The Engineering Cost Account Manager (CAM) drives the execution and financial control of complex, integrated hardware and software engineering developments for aerospace and defense programs. This role serves as the primary operational steward and leader for critical program control accounts, with direct accountability for cost and schedule execution. The CAM leverages a strong engineering background to understand technical scope, coordinate cross-functional activities, and act as the central execution leader for the development team.

In this position, you proactively identify technical risks, track hardware and software integration dependencies, and partner closely with Program Management and functional leadership to resolve variances. Success in this role requires a strong command of both traditional Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Agile development methodologies.

Responsibilities

+ Own and manage engineering cost accounts, monitoring budgets and taking full accountability for cost and schedule compliance.

+ Analyze weekly cost and schedule variances, identify root causes, and implement timely and effective corrective actions.

+ Maintain accurate Estimates at Completion (EAC) based on actual engineering progress, remaining scope, and risk assessments.

+ Partner with schedulers to develop, maintain, and optimize a realistic, logic-driven Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).

+ Translate Agile engineering metrics such as sprints and velocity into traditional milestone and earned value tracking.

+ Forecast engineering staffing needs to ensure the team is properly resourced to meet upcoming deliverables and program milestones.

+ Balance technical oversight with rigorous financial control to ensure engineering programs are delivered on time and within budget.

+ Coordinate cross-functional engineering activities across hardware, software, and systems teams to maintain alignment with program objectives.

+ Identify early indicators of schedule risk or technical challenges and take proactive steps to prevent delays or performance issues.

+ Collaborate closely with Program Management and functional leadership to communicate status, resolve issues, and support strategic decision-making.

+ Support and enforce adherence to Earned Value Management System (EVMS) processes and reporting requirements.

+ Provide leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

+ Minimum of 6 years of professional engineering and development experience within the aerospace and defense industry.

+ 2-3 years of experience in a program engineering capacity with the ability to recognize early signs of schedule risk or difficulty meeting timelines.

+ Prior experience serving as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) or working intimately within an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) framework.

+ Strong understanding of cost accounting principles as they apply to engineering programs.

+ Technical acumen across the full hardware and software development lifecycle, including hardware/software integration.

+ Working knowledge of Agile methodologies and the ability to apply Agile concepts within a structured program environment.

+ Proficiency with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and logic-driven scheduling practices.

+ Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and influence multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

+ Strong organization skills and attention to detail in managing budgets, schedules, and technical scope.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams or serving as a technical lead or product owner.

+ Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Agilist/Scrum Master, or equivalent Agile certification.

+ Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

+ Demonstrated ability to bridge Agile and traditional project management approaches, including translating sprints and velocity into milestone tracking.

+ Experience in space electronics or complex aerospace and defense hardware/software integration programs.

+ Proven capability to thrive in a fast-growing environment and take ownership of critical program control accounts.

+ Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and address technical and financial risks proactively.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role at one of the company's locations, working within a dynamic aerospace and defense engineering environment focused on space electronics and complex hardware/software systems. You will collaborate closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, program management, and…