Cost Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Project Engineer/ Engineering Cost Account Manager (CAM)

Job Description

The Engineering Cost Account Manager (CAM) drives the execution and financial control of complex, integrated hardware and software engineering developments for aerospace and defense programs. This role serves as the primary operational steward and leader for critical program control accounts, with direct accountability for cost and schedule execution. The CAM leverages a strong engineering understanding to understand technical scope, coordinate cross-functional activities, and act as the central execution leader for the development team. In this position, you proactively identify technical risks, track hardware and software integration dependencies, and partner closely with Program Management and functional leadership to resolve variances. Success in this role requires a strong command of both traditional Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Agile development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage engineering cost accounts, monitoring budgets and taking full accountability for cost and schedule compliance.
• Analyze weekly cost and schedule variances, identify root causes, and implement timely and effective corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate Estimates at Completion (EAC) based on actual engineering progress, remaining scope, and risk assessments.
• Partner with schedulers to develop, maintain, and optimize a realistic, logic-driven Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Translate Agile engineering metrics such as sprints and velocity into traditional milestone and earned value tracking.
• Forecast engineering staffing needs to ensure the team is properly resourced to meet upcoming deliverables and program milestones.
• Balance technical oversight with rigorous financial control to ensure engineering programs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering activities across hardware, software, and systems teams to maintain alignment with program objectives.
• Identify early indicators of schedule risk or technical challenges and take proactive steps to prevent delays or performance issues.
• Collaborate closely with Program Management and functional leadership to communicate status, resolve issues, and support strategic decision-making.
• Support and enforce adherence to Earned Value Management System (EVMS) processes and reporting requirements.
• Provide leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional engineering and development experience within the aerospace and defense industry.
• 2–3 years of experience in a program engineering capacity with the ability to recognize early signs of schedule risk or difficulty meeting timelines.
• Prior experience serving as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) or working intimately within an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) framework.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles as they apply to engineering programs.
• Technical acumen across the full hardware and software development lifecycle, including hardware/software integration.
• Working knowledge of Agile methodologies and the ability to apply Agile concepts within a structured program environment.
• Proficiency with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and logic-driven scheduling practices.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and influence multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail in managing budgets, schedules, and technical scope.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams or serving as a technical lead or product owner.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Agilist/Scrum Master, or equivalent Agile certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge Agile and traditional project management approaches, including translating sprints and velocity into milestone tracking.
• Experience in space electronics or complex aerospace and defense hardware/software integration programs.
• Proven capability to thrive in a fast-growing environment and take ownership of critical program control accounts.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and address technical and financial risks proactively.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role at one of the company’s locations, working within a dynamic aerospace and defense engineering environment focused on space electronics and complex hardware/software systems. You will collaborate closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, program management, and functional leaders in a setting that emphasizes growth, ownership, and leadership opportunities. The environment combines traditional program controls such as Integrated Master Schedules and EVMS with Agile development practices, offering significant professional development as you lead and influence critical engineering programs during a period of substantial organizational growth.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfax, VA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Fairfax,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.