Senior Compensation Analyst

AeroVironment, Inc.; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 93,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Senior Compensation Analyst to design and execute market-competitive compensation programs. You will guide data-driven decisions, shape compensation frameworks, and partner across the organization to align pay with business goals and market realities.

The role leads annual compensation planning, builds salary structures, and advises on base pay, bonuses, and long-term incentives while ensuring compliance and equity across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in HR, Business, Finance or related field; equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on compensation experience.
• MBA or MS is preferred.
• CCP Certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support Compensation Strategy & Program Design.
• Develop and maintain salary structures, job leveling, and internal pay frameworks.
• Design policies for base pay, bonuses, long-term incentives, and promotions balancing equity, compliance, and market competitiveness.
• Lead the annual compensation planning cycle for the assigned business group.
• Serve as an advisor for compensation-related decisions affecting hiring, retention, and workforce planning.
• Conduct market benchmarking and internal pay equity reviews; monitor industry trends and provide data-driven insights.
• Ensure compliance with laws and governance; maintain policies and governance frameworks.
• Partner with HRBPs, Talent Acquisition, and Leadership to guide compensation decisions.

Skills

Advanced data analytics

Influence cross-functional

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance or related field

MBA or MS preferred

CCP Certification is a plus

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Workday – Advanced Comp

Job description

The Senior Compensation Analyst will assist in the design, analysis, and execution of market competitive, equitable compensation programs. This role will serve as a trusted expert and advisor – guiding data-driven decisions, shaping compensation frameworks, and partnering across the organization to align pay practices with business goals and market realities. The Senior Compensation Analyst will help develop new compensation policies and practices to support retention and employee engagement aligned with AV's overall strategy.

Position Responsibilities

• Support Compensation Strategy & Program Design
• Develop and maintain robust salary structures, job levelling, and internal pay frameworks.
• Assist with the design and implement policies for base pay, bonuses, long-term incentives, and promotions that balance equity, compliance, and market competitiveness.
• Lead the annual compensation planning cycle for assigned business group.
• Serve as an advisor for compensation-related decisions that impact hiring, retention, and workforce planning.
• Market Intelligence & Analysis Conduct in-depth market benchmarking and compensation surveys to ensure market competitiveness. Lead internal pay equity reviews, identifying gaps and recommending actionable solutions. Monitor industry trends and emerging compensation practices. Provide insights and recommendations based on labor market data and business needs.
• Ensure Compliance & Drive Governance Ensure all compensation programs align with legal requirements (FLSA, pay equity laws, transparency regulations, etc.). Maintain clear, well-documented compensation policies and governance frameworks. Support internal audits, regulatory reporting, and compensation reviews. Lead on pay equity and transparency.
• Partner & Influence Across the Business Lead job levelling processes for assigned business group. Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and Leadership to guide compensation decisions. Translate complex data into compelling stories and actionable recommendations. Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree required in HR, Business, Finance or a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred.
• CCP Certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on compensation experience required.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced data and predictive analytics skills, with experience using Excel, Power BI and Workday including Advanced Comp.
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders and support strategic decision‑making.
• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and discretion when dealing with sensitive compensation matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills—with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Works well with little supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basis.
• Ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedules.
• Strong grasp of compensation laws, internal equity principles, and market pricing.

Physical Demands Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer. May require travel to sites/program and special functions.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating. May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required. Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $93,000 - $141,750 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
• We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment