Program Control Specialist V

Northstrat; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IBA Benefits

Profit Sharing

Lifelong Learning

Top Workplace

Job summary

Northstrat seeks a highly adaptable, seasoned Program Control Specialist V to join a DoD program. You will serve as the primary financial and EVMS authority, driving program control across diverse contract types and preparing for a transition to full EVMS certification.

With 12+ years of experience, you will mentor junior PCAs, align cost, schedule, and risk, and deliver compliant financial reporting in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years direct program control and financial analysis experience on major defense programs.
• Extensive experience managing FFP, CP, and T&M contracts in the DoD domain.
• Advanced proficiency with EVM tools (Cobra, Deltek MPM) and IMS alignment.
• Strong communication and adaptability in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Develop and maintain EVMS baselines, variance analyses, and compliant reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee life-cycle program finances, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across contract types.
• Partner with the Program Manager, Deputy PM, Senior Scheduler, IPT Leads, and Risk Management to align cost, schedule, and risk.
• Mentor junior PCAs to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Perform EAC and ETC assessments by integrating forecasts with risk management.
• Prepare for EVMS transition and support certification efforts if mandated.

Skills

Adaptability

Communication

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial Analysis

Education

PMP or EVP certification

DoD security clearance

Tools

Cobra

Deltek MPM

IMS alignment

Job description

Northstrat seeking a highly adaptable, seasoned Program Control Specialist V to join a dynamic, high-visibility Department of Defense (DoD) program. With 12+ years of experience, you will serve as the primary financial and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) authority. You will drive program control operations across diverse contract types while preparing and potentially leading the program through a critical transition from non-EVMS status to full EVMS certification. This role demands agility, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where strategic priorities can shift rapidly.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management:Oversee life-cycle program finances, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus (CP), and Time & Materials (T&M) contract vehicles.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Partner closely with the Program Manager, Deputy PM, Senior Scheduler, IPT Leads, and Risk Management team to align cost, schedule, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Mentorship & Oversight:Guide and mentor junior Program Control Analysts (PCAs), ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all financial deliverables.
• Risk & Performance Analysis:Integrate financial forecasts with risk management frameworks to perform Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) assessments.
• EVMS Transition:Prepare for and lead the program’s transition from no-EVMS requirement to full EVMS implementation and formal certification, if mandated. Develop and maintain EVM baselines, variance analyses, and compliant reporting structures. I would move this to the end of the list since it is not known yet if it will happen

• AMinimum of 12+ years of direct program control and financial analysis experience supporting major defense programs.
• Contract Knowledge:Extensive experience managing FFP, Cost-Plus, and T&M contracts within the DoD domain.
• Technical Skills:Advanced proficiency in EVM tools (e.g., Cobra, Deltek MPM, or similar), MS Excel, and integrated master schedule (IMS) alignment.
• Soft Skills:High adaptability, exceptional communication, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a rapidly evolving, high-stakes program environment.
• EVMS Expertise:Proven track record implementing, managing, and leading projects through full EVMS compliance and certification processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Security Clearance.
• PMP or EVP (Earned Value Professional) certification.

Work/Life Balance

Northstrat values true work life balance. We offer power of choice benefits designed to best meet the needs of you and your lifestyle. Our benefits programs are designed to support and encourage wellness, healthy living, retirement investment, and lifetime learning.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications.Wealsooffer competitive compensation, benefits,andprofessional development opportunities.Please refer to our Benefits section for additional details.

Flex Time

Northstrat does not mandate specific working hours. Although project requirements may dictate schedules, a Northstrat employee is only required to work an average of 8 hours per weekday over the course of a month. For example: John worked 12 hours on June 1st to meet a project deadline. On June 15th, John only worked 4 hours because he left early for a long weekend. John’s IBA was not debited for time off because flex time allowed him to carry over those 4 hours from June 1st.

Individual Benefits Account (IBA)

To attract and retain the highest quality staff, Northstrat provides a unique and versatile benefits package, the Individual Benefit Account (IBA), which places the power of choice in the hands of our greatest asset – the employee.

The purpose of the IBA is to provide attractive benefits to all full-time employees of Northstrat on a flexible basis that enables each covered employee to select a package that best suits his or her needs. Whether those needs are paid time off, medical expenses, prescription drug expenses, cash disbursement, or a combination of any of these, the IBA provides flexibility to help you meet your specific goals. The IBA can be used for such things as:

IBA Benefits accrue each month in the amount equivalent to 50% of the employee’s monthly compensation rate. That is, the effective dollar amount of this accrual is in addition to an employee’s salary.

Profit Sharing Plan (PSP)

The PSP is a qualified retirement plan that Northstrat funds quarterly on the employee’s behalf through the IBA in the amount equivalent to 25% (up to the IRS contribution limit) of the employee’s compensation. That is, of the 50% accrual in the IBA, half of the amount accrued is applied to the PSP.

Lifelong Learning

Our culture promotes and nurtures a growth environment. We hire and scale rapidly to meet the needs of our partner customers. Through periodic company sponsored training events, and the ability to use IBA funds for reimbursement of work-related education expenses you will have the opportunity to continually grow your skills and abilities.

Join Our Talented Team

We hire the BEST employees and value each one. Since 2021, The Washington Post has recognized Northstrat among its “Top Workplaces”. We think that your friends and family will like it here too, so we offer employee referral incentives.

Northstrat is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other legally protected status.