Aerospace Program Control Lead - AI-Driven

Sophia Space; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Sophia Space is seeking a Business Manager for Athena, the first hardware mission to space. You will own the budget, schedule integration, and the earned-value narrative, ensuring contracts align with technical progress. The role sits at the center of the program office and offers growth into full program business ownership.

You will operate in an environment that increasingly leverages AI tools for cost and schedule analysis, contract review, and reporting, balancing speed with prudent judgment.

Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace/defense/space program management.
• Cost and schedule management on hardware development programs.
• Proficiency with program scheduling tools (MS Project or Primavera).
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, government contract types (CPFF, FFP, T&M).
• Experience presenting cost performance reports and estimate-at-completion forecasts.
• Strong financial modeling skills; comfortable with large datasets.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to translate financial complexity into a program narrative.
• Comfortable using AI tools in day-to-day work for cost and schedule analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Own the Athena budget and cost performance reviews; manage WBS and budgets at completion.
• Develop, baseline, and maintain Integrated Master Schedule; track milestones and risks.
• Administer FAR/DFARS-compliant subcontracts and government task orders; support negotiations.
• Prepare cost, schedule, risk, and contract briefings; maintain program-control docs.

Skills

Program management

Cost scheduling

Scheduling tools

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Cost reporting

EAC forecasts

Financial modeling

Communications

AI in program controls

BA/Finance/Eng Mgmt degree

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Sophia Space is seeking a Business Manager for Athena, the first hardware mission to space. You will own the budget, schedule integration, and the earned-value narrative, ensuring contracts align with technical progress. The role sits at the center of the program office and offers growth into full program business ownership.

You will operate in an environment that increasingly leverages AI tools for cost and schedule analysis, contract review, and reporting, balancing speed with prudent judgment.