Manager, Defense Business Operations

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Manager of Finance & Business Operations to serve as the operational backbone of our Defense group. This role is ideal for a proactive leader who can seamlessly balance high-level strategic initiatives with core business and team support.

This individual will lead the implementation and ongoing management of Deltek Costpoint, oversee program financial tracking and forecasting, and partner closely with Accounting, BD, Corporate Development, PMO, and Engineering to provide leadership with clear, real-time insights into program performance.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in DoD program finance, has successfully implemented or significantly expanded a Costpoint environment, and thrives in owning forecasts, developing rates, and maintaining audit-ready financial data with minimal oversight. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Stand up, configure, and administer Deltek Costpoint for the Defense group including Project Setup, Labor, Billing, and Reporting
• Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure data integrity across our ERP and CRM tools; lead reconciliations between systems
• Drive cross-functional process design across BD, PMO, Engineering, and Operations to ensure financial data flows cleanly from proposal through execution.
• Lead the development and refinement of strategic reporting and planning processes to ensure the organization meets aggressive growth targets.
• Provide administrative and staff support to the leadership team, including coordinating schedules and managing group-level taskers.
• Design and document standardized business processes to support efficient engineering, operations, and program execution. 

Qualifications 

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Management, Engineering, or a related field 

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in DoD program finance, FP&A, or defense business operations within a high-growth technology, space, or defense company.
• Hands-on Deltek Costpoint experience, including implementation, configuration, or significant module stand-up (not solely end-user experience).
• Direct experience or strong familiarity with DoD accounting, finance, or procurement processes (e.g., FAR/DFARS, DCAA, or DCMA).
• Proven track record of "owning" projects from inception to delivery with minimal supervision.
• Advanced Excel; proficiency with PowerPoint and Word
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities for a leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA in Strategic Management, Finance, Accounting  or a related field.
• Experience working within a FOCI-mitigated or ITAR-controlled environment
• Experience in the Space Industry or working with complex hardware/software products. 
• Experience with NetSuite, Salesforce, JIRA, or MS Project

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of all documentation and project deliverables.
• Eagerness to help others and solve problems proactively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. 

Technology Stack:

• AI Tools and agentic frameworks
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Project Management Tools (JIRA, MS Project, or MS Visio)
• ERP Systems (NetSuite, Deltek CostPoint)
• Sales Pipeline (SalesForce, HubSpot) 

Physical Requirements 

Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands. 

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.