Project Controller Aerospace Programs

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm. Incorporated in 1999, we support mission critical Information Technology (IT) business needs for clients within the intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DOD), Veteran Administration (VA) and for select commercial clients. ACET, Inc.’s technical, programmatic, and analytical professionals are experts in commercial technology, customized solutions, and proprietary government systems.

Position Summary

The Aerospace Programs Project Controller is responsible for the financial performance, forecasting, invoicing, and overall program controls of assigned aerospace and defense contracts. This role serves as the primary interface between Program Management, Operations, Finance, Procurement, and Customers to ensure contract execution aligns with financial objectives, revenue targets, and profitability goals.

The Project Controller owns program financial performance from forecasting through invoicing and cash collection while providing actionable insights that support operational decision-making and customer success. This position requires a strong understanding of DoD contracting, financial reporting, Earned Value Management (EVM), and cross-functional leadership within a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Financial Management & Budget Control

• Own full program P&L performance, including revenue, cost, and margin targets.
• Develop and manage monthly and quarterly financial forecasts (labor, material, revenue, and indirect costs).
• Track actual performance against budget and forecast plans, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure alignment between operational execution and financial performance objectives.
• Implement and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and reporting.
  • Track Planned Value (PV)
  • Track Earned Value (EV)
  • Track Actual Cost (AC)
• Develop program financial dashboards and performance metrics.
• Provide monthly Program Performance Reviews (PPRs) and actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Align financial metrics with schedule performance, production throughput, and contract deliverables.
• Support strategic planning, workforce forecasting, and long-range financial planning.

Invoicing & Revenue Execution

• Lead the end-to-end invoicing lifecycle from work completion through customer billing.
• Partner with Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) teams to:
  • Validate invoice accuracy
  • Track payment status and aging receivables
  • Resolve discrepancies with customers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure timely invoice submission in accordance with contract requirements and funding limitations.
• Monitor contract funding burn rates and invoicing ceilings.
• Drive reduction of aged receivables (60/90+ days) and improve cash flow performance.
• Ensure proper charge code utilization and cost allocation compliance.
• Support internal and external audits through accurate, traceable, and auditable financial records.
• Assist with revenue recognition activities and month-end financial close processes.

Operations Integration

• Work directly with Operations Managers, Program Managers, and Site Leads to:
  • Align manpower planning with revenue and profitability objectives
  • Validate production throughput against billing opportunities
  • Ensure material availability and kitting supports schedule execution
  • Forecast labor requirements and utilization rates
• Translate operational performance into financial outcomes and revenue forecasts.
• Support schedule recovery planning and financial risk mitigation strategies.
• Participate in weekly production reviews and operational performance meetings.

Procurement & Cost Control

• Oversee material cost tracking and ensure expenditures align with contract funding.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to:
  • Monitor vendor costs and pricing trends
  • Identify cost variances and financial risks
  • Mitigate supply chain impacts related to inflation and long-lead items
• Monitor subcontractor expenditures and material utilization.
• Ensure all costs are allowable, allocable, and compliant with FAR and DFARS requirements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives to improve contract profitability.

Customer & Contract Financial Interface

• Serve as the primary financial point of contact with NAVAIR PMA Offices, CORs, and Government customers.
• Support contract modifications, funding actions, and financial negotiations.
• Manage CLIN/SLIN funding alignment and expenditure tracking.
• Ensure invoicing aligns with contract deliverables, funding ceilings, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare and present financial performance reports to customers and executive leadership.
• Communicate program financial status, risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies professionally and effectively.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Project Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of DoD aerospace, aviation, sustainment, manufacturing, or defense program management experience.
• Strong background in program financial management, budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and cost controls.
• Hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint or equivalent ERP system.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a high-tempo operational environment.
• Strong contract performance management and financial reporting experience.
• Experience supporting customer-facing financial reviews and executive briefings.

Why Join ACET

ACET continues to expand its aerospace and aviation sustainment operations supporting multiple Department of Defense aviation platforms worldwide. This position provides the opportunity to directly shape strategic sustainment growth initiatives while supporting operational readiness and mission success across the global aviation enterprise.

What We Offer:

• At ACET, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive Total Rewards program that recognizes and supports the diverse needs of our workforce. Our offerings are designed to attract, motivate, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and well-being.
• Employee benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Program
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid Time Off
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program

Please note that all compensation, benefits, and policies are subject to change at the company's discretion. While we make every effort to provide advance notice of changes, adjustments may occur based on business needs, economic conditions, and industry standards.

**Must be US Citizen to apply**

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.

Drug Free Workplace:

ACET is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.