Why Join Collins Aerospace – A Visionary Leader in Aviation and Defense
Collins Aerospace, a proud business of RTX, stands at the forefront of technological innovation, delivering intelligent, secure, and mission‑critical solutions to civil, government, and military customers worldwide. Our portfolio spans advanced communications, avionics, propulsion, and space systems that enable customers to meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. As a member of our Mission Systems team, you will contribute to projects that shape the future of flight, protect national security, and drive sustainable growth in an ever‑evolving global market. If you thrive on impact, collaboration, and continuous learning, you have found your next career home.
Position Overview
The Strategic Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager will serve as the analytical backbone for fixed‑price and cost‑redeterminable development programs. Reporting to senior leadership, you will partner across Program Management, Engineering, Contracts, and Operations to deliver rigorous financial planning, earned‑value analysis, and risk mitigation. This remote role offers flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to our Cedar Rapids hub for occasional in‑person collaboration and strategic workshops.
Key Responsibilities – Driving Financial Excellence
- Financial Planning & Control: Develop and maintain comprehensive financial plans, forecasts, and budgets for multi‑million‑dollar programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and contractual obligations.
- Earned Value Management (EVM): Create and update the Program Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) and conduct earned‑value analysis using tools such as Deltek Cobra and SAP / BW to track cost, schedule, and performance trends.
- Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS): Establish a MIL‑STD‑881 compliant CWBS and CWBS dictionary, ensuring clear traceability from contract clauses to work packages.
- Cost & Schedule Performance Analysis: Identify variances, root causes, and corrective actions; produce monthly variance reports for the Project Leadership Team (PLT) and senior executives.
- Customer & Subcontractor Coordination: Prepare and submit cost and schedule data to customers; audit and integrate subcontractor financials into the Earned Value engine.
- Risk & Opportunity Assessment: Support Program Management in quantifying financial risk, conducting sensitivity analyses, and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Annual Operating Plan (AOP) & Strategic Financial Plan (SFP): Lead the consolidation of monthly sales, profit, and milestone billing forecasts into the AOP and SFP, ensuring accuracy and strategic alignment.
- Leadership Communication: Deliver clear, concise presentations of complex financial data to large groups, senior leaders, and external stakeholders.
- Compliance & Governance: Uphold DoD and corporate compliance standards, ensuring all financial activities meet regulatory and audit requirements.
- Travel: Provide occasional on‑site support and attend stakeholder meetings, with up to 10% travel required.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in FP&A, Earned Value Management, or program finance within aerospace, defense, or a similarly regulated industry.
- U.S. Citizenship: Required due to the nature of the work and eligibility for a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, macros), SAP/BW, Deltek Cobra, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Earned Value Knowledge: Strong understanding of EVM principles, MIL‑STD‑881 standards, cost‑schedule integration, and performance measurement techniques.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written abilities, with a proven track record of presenting financial insights to senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
- Analytical Acumen: Ability to interpret complex data, spot trends, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
- Self‑Management & Team Collaboration: Comfortable working independently in a remote environment while also thriving in dynamic, cross‑functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications – Adding Extra Strength
- Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- Experience obtaining or maintaining a DoD security clearance.
- Previous work within Collins Aerospace, Raytheon Technologies, or other major aerospace/defense contractors.
- Proven experience presenting to large audiences, including board‑level or customer executives.
- Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps program delivery models.
- Ability to commute to Cedar Rapids, IA for periodic in‑person meetings or workshops.
Core Skills & Competencies – The DNA of Success
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while managing granular details.
- Financial Modeling: Build robust models that drive decision‑making and predict outcomes under uncertainty.
- Problem Solving: Tackle ambiguous situations, develop solutions, and implement them with agility.
- Leadership Influence: Earn trust and credibility, influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
- Ethical Judgment: Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and compliance.
- Adaptability: Respond effectively to shifting priorities, urgent deadlines, and evolving program requirements.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
At Collins Aerospace, your professional development is a strategic priority. As an FP&A Manager, you will have access to a rich ecosystem of mentorship, formal training, and cross‑functional projects that accelerate your career trajectory:
- Leadership Development Programs: Structured pathways to senior finance leadership, including executive coaching and rotational assignments.
- Technical Certifications: Sponsored certifications in Earned Value Management (e.g., EVMPM), SAP, and advanced analytics tools.
- Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement for graduate degrees, industry‑specific courses, and continuous learning platforms.
- Global Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with international teams, attend global conferences, and support multinational programs.
- Innovation Initiatives: Participate in cutting‑edge projects that leverage AI, data analytics, and digital twins to transform finance operations.
Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like to Be Part of Our Team
Collins Aerospace fosters a culture where diversity of thought fuels innovation. We celebrate differences and empower every employee to bring their authentic self to work. Our remote work model is built on trust, clear communication, and state‑of‑the‑art collaboration tools that keep teams connected across time zones. Core cultural pillars include:
- Inclusivity: A commitment to equitable opportunities, with employee resource groups championing gender, ethnicity, veteran, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Collaboration: Cross‑functional “mission‑oriented” teams that solve complex problems together.
- Integrity: Ethical conduct and compliance are woven into every decision.
- Innovation: Encouragement to experiment, share ideas, and challenge the status quo.
- Well‑Being: Comprehensive wellness programs, flexible schedules, and resources that support mental, physical, and financial health.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – Investing in You
We recognize that a competitive, transparent, and holistic rewards package is essential for attracting top talent. While specific salary ranges are tailored to experience and location, successful candidates can expect:
- Competitive Base Salary: Aligned with market benchmarks for senior finance leaders.
- Performance‑Based Incentives: Annual bonuses tied to individual, program, and company performance.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans with extensive networks.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) with generous employer match, plus a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
- Paid Time Off: Three weeks of vacation for new hires, plus holidays and sick leave.
- Family Support: Parental leave, adoption assistance, fertility benefits, and flexible work arrangements.
- Education & Financial Aid: Tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, and professional certification funding.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Health incentives, virtual doctor visits, mental health counseling, pet and home insurance options, and access to child/elder‑care services through Bright Horizons.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Confidential counseling, legal and ID‑theft protection services, and comprehensive life and disability insurance.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step Toward a Transformative Career
Ready to bring your financial expertise to a mission‑critical environment where every analysis influences the success of cutting‑edge aerospace programs? We encourage you to submit your application today. Even if you don’t meet every listed requirement, we value passion, a growth mindset, and a collaborative spirit. Apply now and become a key player in redefining aerospace for generations to come.
Apply Here
Click to Submit Your Application
Don’t Hesitate – Your Future Starts Now
Collins Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic. Join us, and together we’ll soar to new heights.
Apply Now