Cost Control Specialist Jobs
Cost Control Specialist jobs are open across construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, healthcare, and government contracting, from entry-level analyst roles to senior and lead positions, with specializations in project cost tracking, budget variance analysis, and earned value management. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Program Cost Schedule & Control Analyst (Level 3) or Sr. Principal Program Cost Schedule & Control Analyst (Level 4) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located onsite in Dayton, OH and will be a hybrid work schedule (weekly schedule requires some onsite days, some remote).
Essential Functions:
This Program Cost Control Analyst position will, under minimal supervision, interface with the program managers, functional management, and cost account managers (CAMs) to provide financial and administrative support and analysis to meet program requirements.
The Program Cost Control Analyst will have experience with Earned Value Management and performance measurement baseline concepts and be able to apply them to multiple contracts for control accounts within an engineering Integrated Product Team (IPT). This position will be responsible for leading and training other analysts if full level 1 Earned Value contracts.
Earned Value Management (EVM) tasks include:
- Establishing Work Breakdown Structure for execution of budgeted cost of work scheduled
- Assessing and maintaining of objective performance criteria – developing, maintaining, analyzing and justification of estimates to complete
- Supporting internal and external reporting requirements for variance analysis and budgeting baseline
- Maintaining a solid and accurate cost and schedule integration with business partners and program teams
- Analyzing funding, cost risk analysis/assessment and visibility reports - Preparing government cost performance reports and preparation and/or review of Performance measurement variance analysis
Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Perform analysis & prepare reports in order to ensure that contracts are within negotiated and agreed-upon parameters and government cost control guidelines. Be responsible for supporting the preparation and coordination of the monthly and quarterly financial forecasting and reporting processes. Provide internal reporting requirements to include incorporation of forecast, identification of staffing issues related to baseline/ETC, and execution of corrective action or updates using program reporting tools. This position will interface with Business Managers and support booking rate files and profitability updates. Good leadership skills & the ability to work with the Program Office while leading a smaller team are essential.
The successful analyst will possess the following traits and abilities: ability to use financial systems, with understanding of DoD financial rhythms; provide strategic guidance as required; develop and implement solutions of moderate scope and complexity; analyze variances/trends and develop new methods and process techniques; work under very general supervision while completing numerous assignments per schedule and elevating potential issues to ensure proper management focus; exert influence on peers and internal customers; good interpersonal skills while representing the finance team on various projects.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below:
Basic Qualifications:
- For the Principal level: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, and/or industry related fields OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, or industry related fields.
- For Sr Principal level: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, and/or industry related fields OR Master's degree with 6 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, or industry related fields
- Must have experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Must have experience with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Must have experience successfully supporting a monthly financial forecasting rhythm.
- Must have experience with EAC development and analysis.
- Must have experience with Earned Value tool
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret clearance within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs after start of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience developing CDRLs (IPMR/IPMDAR/CPR/CFSR/CSDR)
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Program Cost Schedule & Control Analyst (Level 3) or Sr. Principal Program Cost Schedule & Control Analyst (Level 4) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located onsite in Dayton, OH and will be a hybrid work schedule (weekly schedule requires some onsite days, some remote).
Essential Functions:
This Program Cost Control Analyst position will, under minimal supervision, interface with the program managers, functional management, and cost account managers (CAMs) to provide financial and administrative support and analysis to meet program requirements.
The Program Cost Control Analyst will have experience with Earned Value Management and performance measurement baseline concepts and be able to apply them to multiple contracts for control accounts within an engineering Integrated Product Team (IPT). This position will be responsible for leading and training other analysts if full level 1 Earned Value contracts.
Earned Value Management (EVM) tasks include:
- Establishing Work Breakdown Structure for execution of budgeted cost of work scheduled
- Assessing and maintaining of objective performance criteria – developing, maintaining, analyzing and justification of estimates to complete
- Supporting internal and external reporting requirements for variance analysis and budgeting baseline
- Maintaining a solid and accurate cost and schedule integration with business partners and program teams
- Analyzing funding, cost risk analysis/assessment and visibility reports - Preparing government cost performance reports and preparation and/or review of Performance measurement variance analysis
Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Perform analysis & prepare reports in order to ensure that contracts are within negotiated and agreed-upon parameters and government cost control guidelines. Be responsible for supporting the preparation and coordination of the monthly and quarterly financial forecasting and reporting processes. Provide internal reporting requirements to include incorporation of forecast, identification of staffing issues related to baseline/ETC, and execution of corrective action or updates using program reporting tools. This position will interface with Business Managers and support booking rate files and profitability updates. Good leadership skills & the ability to work with the Program Office while leading a smaller team are essential.
The successful analyst will possess the following traits and abilities: ability to use financial systems, with understanding of DoD financial rhythms; provide strategic guidance as required; develop and implement solutions of moderate scope and complexity; analyze variances/trends and develop new methods and process techniques; work under very general supervision while completing numerous assignments per schedule and elevating potential issues to ensure proper management focus; exert influence on peers and internal customers; good interpersonal skills while representing the finance team on various projects.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below:
Basic Qualifications:
- For the Principal level: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, and/or industry related fields OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, or industry related fields.
- For Sr Principal level: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, and/or industry related fields OR Master's degree with 6 years of experience in business administration, finance, accounting, financial analysis, or industry related fields
- Must have experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Must have experience with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Must have experience successfully supporting a monthly financial forecasting rhythm.
- Must have experience with EAC development and analysis.
- Must have experience with Earned Value tool
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret clearance within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs after start of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience developing CDRLs (IPMR/IPMDAR/CPR/CFSR/CSDR)
Cost Control Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
See All 131+ Cost Control Specialist Jobs
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Find Cost Control Specialist JobsCost Control Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman75
- HII6
- Amazon3
- Sierra Space3
- Tilson Homes3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cost control specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, finance, or accounting
- Proficiency in cost control software such as Primavera P6, SAP, or Oracle
- Experience preparing cost reports, variance analyses, and forecasts
- Familiarity with earned value management and WBS cost coding
- CCP, CEP, or PMP certification preferred for mid-level and senior roles
- Strong Excel skills for cost modeling, pivot tables, and budget tracking
Tips for Your Cost Control Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to cost codes
Hiring managers scan for familiarity with WBS structures, cost code setup, and variance reporting. Name the specific cost control software you've used, whether Primavera, Oracle, or SAP, and include at least one measurable outcome from a past project budget.
Target postings by project type
Cost control roles in construction read very differently from those in oil and gas or defense contracting. Filter openings by industry so you're applying to roles where your project-type experience maps directly to what the employer needs.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists cost control specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight earned value credentials upfront
Certifications like CCP, CEP, or PMP signal immediate credibility in cost-focused postings. If you hold one, put it in your resume headline or summary, not buried in an education section where it's easy to miss during a quick scan.
Prepare for a take-home scenario question
Many cost control interviews include a mock variance analysis or cost-at-completion exercise. Practice walking through a schedule performance index calculation out loud, so you can explain your reasoning clearly, not just produce a correct number.
Negotiate scope before accepting an offer
Cost control roles vary widely in authority, some own the reporting, others own the corrective action. Before accepting, clarify whether you'll have sign-off on change orders or only flag variances upward, so you know the actual decision-making weight of the role.
Cost Control Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most cost control specialists?
The most active employers for cost control specialists right now are Northrop Grumman, HII, and Amazon, and the most openings are in California, Virginia, and Maryland, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Construction, energy, and defense contractors tend to maintain the most consistent demand for this role.
How many cost control specialist jobs are remote?
About 19% of cost control specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the remote share concentrated in reporting and forecasting roles rather than field-based project support. Roles tied to active construction sites or plant operations are almost always on-site.
How do you become a cost control specialist?
Start with a degree in construction management, engineering, finance, or accounting, then build hands-on experience in project cost reporting, ideally on capital or infrastructure projects. Learn earned value management and at least one enterprise cost control platform. Pursuing a CCP or CEP certification accelerates progression into specialist and senior roles.
Can I get hired as a cost control specialist without direct experience?
Yes, entry-level cost control roles often hire candidates with project accounting, estimating, or scheduling backgrounds and train them on cost reporting tools. Demonstrating familiarity with WBS structures, variance analysis concepts, and Excel-based financial modeling compensates for limited direct experience when applying to junior or analyst-level postings.
What does the cost control specialist interview process look like?
Most processes involve a phone screen followed by a technical interview covering cost reporting methods, earned value concepts, and software proficiency. A take-home exercise or in-interview scenario, such as explaining a cost-at-completion calculation, is common at mid-level and above. Final rounds often include a conversation with a project manager or controls director.
Where can I find and apply to cost control specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to cost control specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your industry experience and seniority level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 131+ Cost Control Specialist Jobs
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