Job Title: Software Project Engineer, Cost Account Manager
Job Type: Full-Time; Consultant (12 Months)
Location: St. Charles, MO
Schedule: Monday-Friday, First Shift (7 AM - 4 PM)
Pay Rate Starting at : $54 to $68 per hour
About the Role
PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Software Project Engineer to support a major aerospace and defense organization's Operational Flight Program (OFP) software teams. In this role, you will take ownership of technical execution, program-level coordination, and Cost Account Management (CAM) responsibilities for highly reliable, mission critical software supporting precision engagement and weapons systems.
You'll work at the intersection of engineering, program management, analysis, and leadership-translating technical vision into executable plans and ensuring software development efforts stay on schedule, within scope, and within budget. This is a standout opportunity for someone who excels in dynamic environments and is driven by meaningful, high impact work.
What You'll Do
Project & Technical Leadership
Provide engineering leadership for cross-functional software teams, including internal and external resources.
Lead technical execution for OFP software integration, testing, and delivery efforts.
Support the development of statements of work (SOW), obtain stakeholder approval, and manage subsequent changes.
Host team scrums, define product vision and roadmaps, and align engineering activities with program priorities.
Cost Account Management (CAM) & Earned Value
Own CAM responsibilities for assigned software development areas.
Maintain the performance measurement baseline and ensure full compliance with EVM processes.
Track cost and schedule performance, collect and validate data, and produce key indicators (CPI, SPI, ETC, EAC).
Identify root causes of cost or schedule variances and develop corrective action plans.
Prepare and present program forecasts, budget updates, and performance metrics to leadership.
Agile Execution & Cross-Functional Integration
Collaborate with systems engineering, test, QA, and supply chain to ensure alignment and program success.
Develop and maintain product backlogs based on business value or ROI.
Stay current on best practices for agile project management and apply process improvements.
Communication, Documentation & Reporting
Communicate effectively with internal and external customers through presentations, reviews, and formal documentation.
Prepare monthly status reports, technical review materials (TIMs, PDRs, CDRs), and contribute to contractual deliverables (CDRLs).
Engage in planning activities across all aspects of the program lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM), including budget ownership, maintaining the performance measurement baseline, and producing ETC/EAC forecasts.
Hands-on experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), including tracking cost and schedule performance.
Ability to analyze complex technical and programmatic data and communicate findings clearly.
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years of related experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, mathematics, physics, or related field.
5+ years of experience in product development.
5+ years in program management, project engineering, systems engineering, or software engineering.
Experience working with military or DoD customers.
Defense industry background strongly preferred.
Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to manage stakeholder expectations and navigate complex organizational environments.
Proficiency with project management tools and methodologies.
Understanding of business value, ROI, and product functionality from a program perspective.
Why Join Us
At PDS Tech Commercial, you'll join a team working on systems that truly matter-high reliability defense products with global impact. You'll benefit from:
Competitive compensation
Opportunities to lead essential software programs supporting national and international defense missions
A culture that values technical excellence, mentorship, and professional development
The ability to influence major software systems across their full lifecycle-from concept to deployment
A collaborative environment where innovation, quality, and strategic thinking are valued
Your leadership will help ensure mission critical software programs deliver on time, on budget, and with technical precision.
Ready to Lead and Deliver High Impact Software Programs?
If you're an engineering professional with strong project management skills, experience in CAM/EVM, and a passion for high reliability software development, we encourage you to apply.
Take the next step-submit your application today and help shape the future of mission critical aerospace and defense systems.
Pay Details: $54.00 to $68.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the @type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: 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.
