Principal Compensation Analyst

Amro Fabricating Corporation• US,

2d•$150,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an accomplished Principal Compensation Analyst to manage and evolve all elements of the company’s compensation programs, including broad-based pay, job architecture, incentives, and executive compensation. This leader will guide the design, governance, and execution of compensation programs that support a fast-scaling, global aerospace and defense organization. The role requires a seasoned compensation professional with expertise across market analysis, leveling, annual reward cycles, executive pay practices, equity programs, and regulatory compliance, including proxy-related disclosures for a public company. This position partners closely with senior leadership, HRBPs, Finance, and Legal to ensure competitive, compliant, and strategically aligned compensation programs that reinforce Karman’s philosophy and business priorities. Occasional travel may be required. This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in compensation with exposure to both broad-based and executive pay programs.
Experience working with equity plans, LTIPs, PSUs, and plan documentation in partnership with Legal and Finance.
Knowledge of public company reporting requirements, including proxy-related disclosures.
Advanced expertise in broad-based and executive compensation, including incentive plan design, equity programs, job architecture, and market analysis.
Strong knowledge of SEC proxy rules, executive compensation disclosures, long-term incentive vehicles, and public company governance expectations.
Deep analytical skills, business acumen, and financial modeling capability.
Proficiency in HRIS and strong mastery of Excel (pivot tables, macros, complex formulas).
Ability to influence and advise senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Strong project management discipline with the ability to manage multiple cycles and deadlines.
Highly detail-oriented, organized, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into concise, actionable guidance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
Experience supporting Compensation Committees or executive-level governance.
Experience working in aerospace, defense, industrial, or other complex, multi-site environments.

Responsibilities

Implement Karman’s global compensation philosophy and standards across all regions and functions.
Serve as the primary advisor on compensation matters to senior leaders, VPs, and HR Business Partners.
Create and ensure alignment with Karman’s global frameworks and Total Rewards philosophy, including incentives, salary structures, equity, and performance-based rewards.
Support design, modeling, and administration of executive compensation programs, including base salary, target bonus, long-term incentives (RSUs, PSUs), and special awards.
Manage peer benchmarking, market analysis, long-term incentive plan (LTIP) calibration, and competitive positioning for the executive team.
Support preparation of Compensation Committee materials, including executive pay summaries, benchmarking, bonus plan design, LTIP updates, PSU/metric alignment, and annual compensation review cycles.
Partner with Legal and Finance to ensure accurate reporting for proxy filings, including Section 16, executive compensation tables, pay-versus-performance disclosures, and equity-related requirements.
Assist in drafting and reviewing executive equity agreements, LTIP documentation, and PSU award terms in partnership with Legal.
Create, manage, and maintain the company’s global job architecture, leveling structures, job evaluations, and compensation band methodologies.
Lead participation in market surveys and conduct market-pricing analysis across both broad-based and executive roles.
Ensure data-driven, equitable, and compliant salary structures informed by market trends and regulatory requirements.
Lead the design, implementation, and governance of Karman’s incentive programs, including annual bonus (STIP), long-term incentive plans (LTIP), and other variable pay frameworks.
Support development and refinement of performance metrics, target ranges, calibration models, and payout calculations using inputs from business, Finance, and Compensation Committee guidance.
Administer all equity plans, in partnership with HR Operations, Legal, Finance, and external equity administrators.
Ensure accurate communication and modeling for new awards, off-cycle grants, and adjustments.
Lead annual merit, bonus, and incentive cycles, including planning, communication, calibration, reporting, and approval workflows.
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate execution of compensation-related payouts.
Draft and validate compensation communications, job descriptions, and templates for leaders and employees.
Provide subject matter expertise on job classification, salary recommendations, offer development, and pay-equity considerations.
Partner with HRBPs and business leaders on compensation decisions for hiring, promotions, transfers, and internal equity assessments.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and SEC regulations, including reporting requirements, pay-transparency laws, and proxy obligations for public companies.
Support audit readiness and data validation for executive compensation and equity plans.