Principal Systems Engineer Cost Account Manager (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-03-12

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-TX-RICHARDSON-461 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 461

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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. 

What You Will Do 

• 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. 

 

Qualifications You Must Have 

• 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.