Principal Systems Engineer Cost Account Manager; Onsite

Overview

Strategic Defense Solutions is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Principal Systems Engineer Cost Account Manager to join our team. This P4-level role requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record in cost management, financial forecasting, and program execution within the aerospace and defense industry. The successful candidate will serve as a critical liaison between engineering, finance, and program management to ensure projects are executed on time and within budget while meeting technical and operational objectives.

• Serve as the primary Cost Account Manager (CAM) for complex engineering projects, ensuring compliance with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) standards and company policies.
• Lead the development, management, and execution of cost accounts, including baseline establishment, budget forecasting, variance analysis, and mitigation planning.
• Partner with engineering teams to develop detailed work scope, schedules, and resource requirements for project execution.
• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting, including Estimates at Completion (EACs) and variance explanations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, program management, and supply chain, to ensure alignment of cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Identify risks and opportunities within cost accounts and develop actionable plans to address them.
• Act as a mentor and subject matter expert for junior cost account managers and engineers, providing guidance on best practices and tools.
• Support program reviews, audits, and customer engagements with detailed cost and schedule analytics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline cost management processes and enhance program performance.

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain Top Secret after start.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in cost account management, financial analysis, or program management within the aerospace and defense sector.
• Experience in Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and tools.
• Proficiency in financial systems and tools, such as SAP, wInsight, or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials.
• Experience leading cost management efforts for government or Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
• Familiarity with RTX systems, processes, and tools is a plus.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy (pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal,  protection)
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• May be Eligible for relocation
• And more!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military…