Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Director of FP&A will serve as a strategic leader in financial planning, forecasting, and analysis to drive business decision-making. Reporting directly to the Principal Director of FP&A, this role will oversee enterprise financial planning systems and process optimization, ensuring efficient data flow and insightful analytics for senior leadership.

The Director will modernize financial planning tools, translating complex forecasting models into agile, scenario-based tools, enhancing financial visibility and strategic alignment. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in FP&A, financial system integration, and strong leadership skills to manage a high-performing team. Candidates with experience optimizing SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and Tableau will be strongly preferred.

Work Model

This position is located in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Develop and manage long-range financial planning and scenario modeling, including loan covenant tracking and forecasting frameworks.
• Translate complex financial models into dynamic, scenario-based planning tools to improve forecasting process, agility, and strategic decision-making.
• Provide actionable financial insights to guide decision-making at senior leadership levels.

Financial System Optimization & Data Strategy:

• Optimize SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and Tableau for enhanced financial visualization and reporting.
• Drive SAP S/4HANA improvements supporting financial planning and analysis.
• Partner with IT to ensure seamless system integration and data accessibility.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership:

• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on financial strategy and business performance.
• Develop financial dashboards and reports for executive briefings.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration, ensuring strategic financial planning aligns with business needs.

People Management & Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a team of FP&A professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Oversee workload distribution, professional development, and performance management.
• Cultivate strong engagement with finance, operations, and corporate leadership teams.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of financial management experience.
• Experience in financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
• Strong background in financial forecasting, modeling, and scenario planning.
• Expertise in FP&A systems and optimization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in related field (CPA, MBA, or relevant graduate studies).
• Experience with SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) optimization and Tableau financial reporting.
• Familiarity with SAP S/4HANA, particularly in financial planning and analysis.
• Understanding of government budgeting practices and regulatory frameworks (FAR, CAS).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance with SCI access.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$144,800 - $217,200

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.