Senior Compensation Analyst - CONTRACT

avav; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment in Arlington, VA seeks a Senior Compensation Analyst to design, analyze, and execute market-competitive compensation programs. You will guide data-driven decisions, develop policies, and partner across HR and business units to align pay with market realities and organizational goals.

The role focuses on equity, governance, and retention, with responsibility for annual planning, policy development, and cross-functional advisory support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance or related field; equivalent experience.
• 5+ years hands-on compensation experience required.
• Advanced degree (MBA/MS) preferred.
• CCP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain salary structures, job leveling, and internal pay frameworks.
• Design base pay, bonuses, long-term incentives, and promotions policies.
• Lead annual compensation planning for the business group.
• Advise on compensation decisions affecting hiring, retention and planning.
• Lead pay equity reviews and monitor market trends.

Skills

Data analytics

Excel

Power BI

Influence stakeholders

Communication

Advanced compensation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or MS preferred

CCP Certification

Tools

Workday

Job description

Worker Type

Contractor

Job Description

Summary

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

AeroVironment considers several factors, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

His 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.

The benefits link: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits

Visit our company website: http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer

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.