Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.
The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.
The Opportunity
We are hiring our first Controller. This is not a caretaker role. You will build the accounting function from the ground up: the close process, the controls, the systems, and the playbook that everything after you gets built on.
You will own the numbers for a company that designs, builds, and flies aircraft. That means real cost accounting, real inventory, and real government contract compliance. As we scale manufacturing and win larger programs, the infrastructure you put in place will determine how fast we can move.
You will report to company leadership and work directly with Operations, Supply Chain, and Program teams. You will have support, but you will not have a big team on day one. You will do the work and build the team behind you.
What You Will Do
Own the monthly close end to end and drive it faster and cleaner every quarter
Own GAAP financials, the general ledger, and account reconciliations
Build and run cost accounting for hardware manufacturing, including inventory, WIP, standard costs, and variance analysis across our Oxnard and Arkansas operations
Own our ERP and accounting systems, including implementation and administration
Stand up government contract accounting: CLIN tracking, cost segregation, and compliance with FAR and DFARS expectations
Build toward DCAA audit readiness, including timekeeping, indirect rate structures, and an approved accounting system
Own AP, expense administration, and payroll operations
Design internal controls that scale with headcount and contract volume
Prepare for and manage the company's first financial audits
Support FP&A and leadership with accurate, timely actuals
What We Are Looking For
8+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or accounting leader
CPA strongly preferred
Hardware, manufacturing, or aerospace and defense industry experience, with real inventory and cost accounting exposure
Experience at a smaller or earlier-stage operation where you had to understand the reasoning behind practices, not just execute an established process
ERP ownership experience. NetSuite implementation or administration is a strong plus
Government contract accounting exposure is strongly preferred: CLINs, cost-type and fixed-price contracts, FAR/DFARS, DCAA
A builder's mindset. You have written the playbook before, or you are ready to write your first one
Nice to Have
Experience taking a company through its first audit
Experience standing up an approved accounting system for government contracting
Startup experience through a Series B or C scale-up
ITAR requirement
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Swarm Aero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.
What We Offer
Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, vision, and 401k
PTO and paid sick leave
Monthly wellness stipend
Daily catered lunch (office)
Paid parental leave
Direct impact on a critical national security mission
A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems
Will AI replace this role?
Check AI displacement risk, transferable skills, and career alternatives for Controller
The Controller position at Swarmaero is based in Oxnard. This is an on-site position.
The Controller position at Swarmaero is a Full time role.
The Controller position at Swarmaero requires 8+ yrs exp.
