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Manager, Program Control and Pricing

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $160,000-$190,000

Overview and Background

SPARC Research was founded in 2018 to advance state-of-the-art rocket and airbreathing technology development, preliminary design, and prototype demonstration using modern Multiphysics modeling tools. With industry leading years of combined experience in rocket propulsion, SPARC’s personnel create relationships with customers that are built on trust.

Working with established propulsion suppliers, missile prime contractors, and Government laboratories to provide unique design solutions to demanding propulsion requirements, SPARC Research provides unbiased technical analyses and design solutions that our customers can count on. SPARC Research currently has 21 full-time employees, numerous interns, and consultants, and is still growing. The SPARC team as a whole represents a combined 500+ years of experience in rocket propulsion and government contracting.

Keys to company success:

  • Relationships with customers that are built on trust
  • Unbiased technical analysis and design solutions a customer can count on
  • Providing a work life for employees that is enjoyable and rewarding
  • A transparent management approach that recognizes personal employee contributions
  • Engagement with educational institutions at all levels

SPARC Research is in need of a Manager, Program Control and Pricing to join our team in Warrenton, VA or Cumberland, MD.

Job Responsibilities

As the Manager of Program Control and Pricing, you will be responsible for core program financial status and reporting, new business cost proposal generation and compliance, support of company cash flow processes, and statutory compliance while providing timely, practical insights to support business decisions. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will both deliver and improve outcomes across SPARC’s business and program portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor and report program financial performance, including forecasting, estimates at completion (EACs), profitability analyses, and working capital analyses.
  • Execute cost proposal price estimation, documentation, and compliance in response to requests for proposal (RFPs).
  • Lead program and proposal cost analyses and investigations, translating complex data into actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.
  • Drive continuous improvement, streamlining processes, strengthening controls, and reducing program risk.
  • Assist with cash flow management, ensuring strong visibility and effective controls.
  • Support monthly/quarterly financial reporting and planning processes for the business area.
  • Assist the SPARC Controller/CPA with incurred cost submittals and audits.
  • Provide internal and external audit support.
  • Develop presentations to brief senior leadership.
  • Assist with the month-end close process, ensuring accurate, timely, and meaningful financial reporting.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, or related discipline with 7+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
  • Prior experience in Program Planning, Control, and Reporting for U.S. Government-funded programs, including monthly actuals, forecasts, Annual Operating Plans, and Strategic Planning.
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to prepare and interpret complex costs and financial data.
  • Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and planning software/database systems.
  • High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Candidate must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with Quickbooks, invoice generation, wide area workflow (WAWF) and procurement integrated enterprise environment (PIEE).
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills for non-finance stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to work in a team environment and foster accountability.
  • Strong problem-solving and process improvement mindset.