Principal Director, Enterprise Services Finance

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

We are seeking a forward-thinking financial leader to serve asPrincipal Director of Financefor the Enterprise Services Group at The Aerospace Corporation. You are a strategic business partner with deep finance expertise and a passion for enabling mission success through data-driven insights and innovation. You know how to build trust, lead high-performing teams, and deliver results in complex environments. You bring a proven track record of cultivating talent, leading through change, and delivering enterprise impact.

As Principal Director, you will shape and lead financial strategy, planning, and performance for the Enterprise Services Group. You will drive annual and multi-year budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning, while enabling agile decision-making through advanced analytics, dashboards, and performance metrics. You will champion continuous improvement of financial processes, including ERP optimization, implementation of enabling technologies, and adoption of digital finance practices.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to Group senior and executive leadership, providing strategic insights, financial guidance, and predictive analysis aligned with corporate objectives. You will partner closely with the Office of the CFO and peers across the enterprise to ensure consistency, compliance, and modernization of financial operations.

This role requires navigating a matrixed environment, reporting to both the Chief Financial Officer for financial alignment and the Chief Operating Officer for operational leadership. Success depends on your ability to lead through influence, manage complex priorities, and inspire a high-performance, digitally enabled finance team.

Work Model

This position is located in either El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance management across the Enterprise Services Group
• Navigate competing priorities and lead compromise across multiple budget owners and financial teams within your scope
• Own and lead the annual capital budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial constraints
• Drive adoption of advanced analytics, digital tools, and ERP enhancements to enable insight-driven decisions
• Define, monitor, and report on key financial metrics, benchmarking performance, and partnering with leadership to establish meaningful service level agreements (SLAs)
• Lead strategic finance initiatives at the group and enterprise level, advancing both operational efficiency and financial stewardship
• Serve as a financial advisor to senior leadership, providing forward-looking analysis and recommending data-informed actions
• Oversee financial governance, compliance, and policy alignment with corporate objectives
• Lead, develop, and empower a high-performing finance team aligned to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

What You Need to be Successful - Finance Principal Director

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in financial strategy, planning, and performance management
• 5+ years in a leadership role overseeing enterprise-level finance programs and teams
• Experience with financial systems, ERP platforms (e.g., SAP), and business analytics tools
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance (US citizenship required)

How You Can Stand out

It would be impressive if you have these:

• MBA, CPA, or advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business
• Experience in a Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) environment
• Proven leadership in deploying finance strategies for complex, geographically dispersed organizations
• Experience with SAP Fiori, SAP Analytics Cloud, Tableau, or similar platforms
• Strong cross-functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic problem-solving skills

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)

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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.