Project Controls Specialist

The Giant Magellan Telescope is one of the most powerful ground-based telescopes ever engineered. It is designed to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the unknown. Now under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the premier locations on Earth for astronomy, the telescope will deliver the highest-performing combination of image quality, field of view, and light sensitivity ever achieved. From this southern hemisphere location, the Giant Magellan Telescope will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, investigate the origins of chemical elements, and search for signs of life on distant exoplanets.

When complete in the 2030s, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be one of the largest public-private funded science projects in history. It is the work of the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international research consortium, founded by 16 universities and research institutions from the United States, Chile, Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Our culture is impactful, inclusive, and fearlessly innovative. We tackle the most complex engineering challenges and scientific questions alongside talented individuals who share a passion for advancing humanity’s understanding of the Universe.

We invite you to join our team and leave your mark on the future of astronomy and beyond.

The Universe Awaits®

Project Business Office

Project Business Manager

The Project Business Office (PBO) is pursuing a Project Control Specialist to support all aspects of the cost reporting requirements of the GMTO Project.

Reporting to the Project Business Manager (PBM), this position will require autonomy and self-drive, and it will consist of but not be limited to: creating, tracking and issuing monthly, quarterly and yearly project cost status reports, time-phased budgeting reports, developing and maintaining the project Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), preparing cost forecasts, updating project documents, and conducting in depth analysis of project performance including Earned Value Management (EVM). This position will also require routine communication and recommendations to Project Element Managers (PEMs) and Control Account Managers (CAMs).

• Develop and maintain software tools necessary for integration of cost and schedule plans, progress, and actual spending.
• Develop business intelligence tools using Excel, P6, and AI tools for reporting to CAMs and PEMs and project management as necessary.
• Assist Senior Cost Analyst and PBM on maintaining WBS accounts in both the accounting system and the project controls system.
• Maintain monthly reporting financial records.
• Review and validation of WBS budgets and expenses
• Perform validation and verification of accounting data into WBS accounts
• Investigate project variances and assist CAMs/PEMs with variance reports
• Compile information for internal and external auditors, as required
• Maintain workforce reporting and status (hourly, FTE, and expense)
• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual project level reviews
• Assist in developing time-phased budgets in accordance with planned schedules
• Conducts in-depth analysis of project performance including EVM, publish reports and make recommendations to PEMs and CAMs.
• Participate as an essential team member on teams inside and outside the PBO, project, activity or function.

• Minimum of a BS degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Business or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of experience
• Advanced software skills with Excel with a detailed understanding of Pivot Tables and graphing capabilities
• Knowledge of standard project control techniques associated with Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Experience performing effective data mining-research and strong analytical skills
• Experience with resource management, workforce planning, and forecasting
• Ability to interface effectively with project business team, technical management, and corporate office
• Some understanding of accounting processes, procedures, and internal controls
• Ability to use independent judgment in evaluation of issues and solutions, learn new tasks quickly and participate in the audit process
• Ability to manage competing priorities with excellent organizational skills and to work in a team environment and/or independently
• Previous experience working in a project team environment with project reporting integrated cost/schedule planning and various performance measurements techniques

• Master’s Degree in Business, Finance, or an engineering discipline
• Knowledge and experience with Primavera (P6)
• Understanding of Monte Carlo Simulations and Monte Carlo Analyses
• Advanced software skills with VBA, Access, and PowerBI
• Advanced knowledge of EVM best business practices, policies and procedures across a range of applications
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics SL
• Experience with project and cost accounting
• Experience with cost/schedule baseline change control processes
• Previous experience working in Aerospace or Astrophysics industry.
• Comfortable, and even excited about, working outside your comfort zone. An ability to thrive in a collaborative team first environment

• No special requirements.

• No special physical requirements.

• No direct reports

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance

$100,000- $150,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

To apply send your resume or CV and a cover letter to careers@gmto.org.

If your skills and experience are a match for the position or if we need additional information, we will contact you. If we do not see a suitable match between your qualifications and the position, we will keep your information on file in the event future positions become available that are more suitable to your qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.