Director of Benefits

About the role

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.

Are you ready to lead a transformation in how we attract, support, and retain the brightest minds in aerospace?

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Director of Benefits to elevate our Benefits design, administration, and communications strategy-ensuring every employee understands and values the exceptional total rewards package we offer.

We already provide a full suite of market-competitive benefits, including a top-tier 401(k) Plan recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Now we need a forward-thinking leader to ask the next question: How do we modernize our employee value proposition to compete for-and win-top talent in a rapidly evolving talent market?

If you're energized by strategy, driven by data, and passionate about building benefits programs that genuinely make a difference in people's lives, we want to hear your approach.

The Director of Benefits oversees the full benefits portfolio for The Aerospace Corporation, including health & welfare, disability & leave management, retirement programs (pension and 401(k)), vendor relationships, compliance, budget, and analytics. This role partners closely with Finance and the Office of General Counsel and leads a team responsible for delivering best-in-class benefits strategy and operations.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact leadership position for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategic vision and operational excellence.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our campus facility inEl Segundo CA.

Health & Welfare Benefits

• Oversee medical, dental, and vision plans
• Manage health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Direct employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives

Disability & Leave Management

• Administer short-term and long-term disability programs
• Ensure FMLA, state, and local leave compliance
• Coordinate workers' compensation and return-to-work programs

Retirement Programs

• Lead defined benefit pension plan and 401(k)/defined contribution plan administration
• Provide fiduciary oversight and governance
• Manage retiree benefits programs

Benefits Strategy & Operations

• Drive strategic planning and execution across the benefits portfolio
• Lead vendor management, negotiations, and performance oversight
• Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation
• Own budget management, analytics, and reporting

Team Leadership

• Develop and mentor the Benefits team
• Build organizational capability and lead change management initiatives
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across HR, Finance, and Legal

Metrics & Accountability

• Financial: Benefits cost per employee trend, healthcare cost trend vs. national benchmark, vendor cost savings, pension funded status progress.
• Operational: Regulatory compliance, vendor performance scores, employee inquiry resolution time, enrollment completion rates
• Strategic: Employee benefits satisfaction scores, benefits competitiveness index, strategic initiative completion, total rewards communication effectiveness

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive benefits experience
• 5+ years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated experience with strategic benefits management
• Experience with pension plan administration and fiduciary oversight
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future.
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It would be impressive if you have one or more of these

• Advanced degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field
• Professional certification: CEBS, CBP, or CCP
• Experience in a large organization (5,000+ employees)
• Experience with union negotiations

Pay and benefits

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) $153,500.00 - $230,300.00
• Pay Basis: Annual
• 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

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.