Compensation analyst [h1.location_city]

Worker Type

Regular

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

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 :

$88,000 - $124,740

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 :

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee / refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.