Cost Optimization & Control Analyst

AST Space Mobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a sharp, analytically driven Cost Optimization & Control Analyst to join our Strategic Planning & Operations team. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role sitting at the intersection of finance, operations, and strategy. You will own cost visibility across the enterprise, drive transformation initiatives, and serve as the internal counterpart to external consultants and executive leadership on spend management and efficiency programs.

This role is well-suited for a seasoned finance and operations leader whose experience navigating the rigor and discipline of PE-backed environments or top-tier advisory firms has sharpened their ability to drive structural cost transformation  ideal candidate brings that same analytical precision and accountability to a publicly traded, high-growth company - one committed to sustained growth, operational excellence, and building lasting value for shareholders and stakeholders alike

What You'll Do

Cost Control & Governance

• Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of current cost structures across all functions and sites, identifying gaps in financial controls, process rigor, and spend accountability where systematic oversight is absent or insufficient
• Develop and implement company-wide cost control policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that establish clear standards for budget ownership, spend authorization, and variance accountability
• Build and maintain a centralized cost model that links operational drivers - headcount, production rates, and material consumption - to financial outcomes, serving as the analytical foundation for decision-making
• Partner with Procurement to develop a deep understanding of existing contract terms, vendor commitments, and spending obligations to identify cost reduction and renegotiation opportunities
• Collaborate with the BI and data teams to define reporting requirements and ensure leadership has the appropriate level of spend visibility - without owning dashboard development directly

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead cross-functional cost transformation initiatives, establishing structured work streams with clear ownership, milestones, and measurable savings targets
• Perform detailed root cause analysis on cost overruns and budget deviations, translating findings into actionable remediation plans with defined timelines and accountability
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to redesign inefficient processes, eliminate redundant spend, and embed cost discipline into day-to-day operating behaviors across the organization
• Develop and track a continuous improvement pipeline that captures, sizes, and monitors cost reduction initiatives from identification through realized savings
• Drive change management efforts to ensure new policies, controls, and operating procedures are adopted consistently and sustainably across all functions and sites

Strategic Planning & Support

• Synthesize cost analysis and control findings into executive-ready recommendations that inform long-term financial strategy and support leadership decision-making
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership on cost structure, investment prioritization, and resource allocation as the company scales
• Support the annual planning and forecasting process by providing a bottom-up view of cost drivers, operational assumptions, and efficiency opportunities

What We're Looking For

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required; MBA strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive experience in cost management, financial planning & analysis, or operational finance
• Background in a PE-backed portfolio company, Big 4 or top-tier advisory firm, or a high-growth publicly traded company strongly preferred

Technical & Analytical

• Deep expertise in cost modeling, variance analysis, and financial diagnostics across complex, multi-site operations
• Strong command of operational cost drivers - headcount planning, production economics, supply chain, and material consumption
• Proficiency in financial planning tools and ERP systems; ability to define reporting requirements and partner effectively with BI and data teams without owning technical development
• Experience developing and implementing financial policies, internal controls, and governance frameworks from the ground up

Transformation & Process

• Proven track record of leading cost transformation or operational improvement initiatives with quantifiable, realized savings outcomes
• Experience conducting organizational…