Program Controller

Quantum Space; Rockville, Hawthorne (MD, CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space is seeking a motivated Project Controller to drive financial governance across multiple spacecraft development programs. You will establish budgets, monitor baselines, and forecast performance while partnering with Program Management, Engineering, Finance, and Manufacturing to keep projects on time and within budget.

The role requires strong financial modeling, advanced Excel skills, and experience with scheduling tools in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, Project Management, or related discipline.
• 5+ years in project controls, program finance, cost management, or related roles.
• Experience supporting engineering/aerospace/defense/manufacturing/tech programs.
• Strong financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical skills; advanced Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Experience using project scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, Jira or similar).
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate across technical, business, and executive teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated project budgets, schedules, and cost baselines for spacecraft development programs.
• Partner with Program Managers to set performance metrics, milestones, and execution plans.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance against baselines; identify risks and corrective actions.
• Prepare forecasts, Estimates at Completion (EACs), cash flow projections, and financial analyses.
• Track expenditures, labor utilization, commitments, and overall financial performance throughout the lifecycle.
• Support monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, and executive reviews.

Skills

Financial modeling

Budgeting

Forecasting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelors degree in Finance/Accounting/Business/Engineering/PM

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Smartsheet

Jira

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Project Controller to support the successful planning, execution, and financial performance of our spacecraft development and mission programs. In this role, you will provide financial and programmatic oversight across multiple engineering initiatives, partnering closely with Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with strategic business objectives.

You will play a critical role in establishing project budgets, maintaining cost and schedule baselines, forecasting program performance, and delivering actionable insights that enable informed decision-making across the organization. This position is ideal for a professional who combines strong financial acumen with an understanding of complex engineering programs and thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth aerospace environment.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Develop and maintain integrated project budgets, schedules, resource plans, and cost baselines across multiple spacecraft development programs
• Partner with Program Managers to establish project performance metrics, milestones, and execution plans
• Monitor program cost, schedule, and technical performance against approved baselines while identifying risks, trends, and corrective actions
• Prepare project forecasts, Estimates at Completion (EACs), cash flow projections, and financial analyses supporting program execution
• Track project expenditures, labor utilization, commitments, and overall financial performance throughout the project lifecycle
• Support monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, executive reviews, and business performance reporting
• Partner with Finance to ensure alignment between project reporting, forecasting, and corporate financial objectives
• Generate program dashboards, executive briefings, and performance metrics that provide leadership with timely, data-driven insights
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies and performance measurement where applicable
• Maintain project data integrity across planning, scheduling, financial, and reporting systems
• Identify and assess project risks related to cost, schedule, scope, resources, and engineering changes while supporting mitigation planning
• Evaluate the financial and programmatic impacts of contract modifications, engineering changes, and strategic decisions
• Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance teams to support successful program execution
• Support customer reporting requirements for government and commercial contracts
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project controls processes, financial reporting, forecasting methodologies, and program management best practices

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in project controls, program finance, cost management, project management, or related disciplines
• Experience supporting complex engineering, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or technology development programs
• Strong financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical skillsAdvanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools
• Experience using project scheduling and planning tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to collaborate effectively across technical, business, and executive teams

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, spacecraft, satellite, launch, or advanced technology programs
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and performance measurement techniques
• Experience supporting U.S. Government contracts including NASA, Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Space Force, ESA, or similar organizations
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as NetSuite, Deltek, SAP, Oracle, or equivalent enterprise financial platforms
• Professional certifications such as PMP, EVP, CPA, or equivalent
• Experience supporting rapidly growing organizations or startup environments where processes and systems continue to evolve

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Drive project controls and financial performance for mission-critical spacecraft development programs
• Innovation – Help build the operational foundation supporting next-generation space mobility and mission execution
• Impact – Deliver the financial insights and program visibility that enable successful national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Growth – Join a collaborative team operating at the intersection of engineering, finance, operations, and program management while helping scale project controls across a rapidly growing aerospace company
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.