Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Position Summary STR is seeking an innovative and strategic financial leader to serve as Director of FP&A. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning and analysis, including annual and long-term company-wide budgeting, forecasting, rate development, investment analysis, incentive compensation, and supporting executive-level reporting. This is a transformative role for an experienced FP&A leader passionate about leveraging technology—particularly AI and advanced analytics—to drive business insight, operational efficiency, and scalable growth. The Director will operate as a key advisor to the CFO and executive team, ensuring STR’s finance function exceeds the requirements typical of highly regulated and rapidly growing organizations. We are seeking a leader who brings a high degree of financial rigor, governance discipline, and a forward-looking mindset—someone comfortable operating within the robust standards and expectations of highly complex, audit-intensive organizations. We support flexible work arrangements for this role, including remote work within the U.S.. For candidates located near our Woburn, MA office, a hybrid schedule is preferred to enable effective partnership, relationship building, and cross-functional collaboration. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Shape the future of the finance function as a member of the Finance Leadership Team by introducing best-in-class processes and tools for automation, efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. AI & Analytics Transformation: Champion adoption of AI and machine learning techniques within FP&A to enhance forecasting, scenario modeling, and data-driven decision making. Evaluate and adopt emerging tools in financial planning, reporting, and analysis that leverage AI or predictive analytics capabilities. Planning & Forecasting: Oversee annual operating plans (AOP), monthly forecasts, and long-range (LRP) strategic planning. Ensure tight alignment among operational, financial, and strategic objectives, and develop models explaining key drivers of business performance. Rate Strategy & Analysis: Develop and refine indirect rate strategies to ensure competitive, compliant, and forward-looking cost structures consistent with contract requirements and company strategy. Investment & Incentive Analysis: Lead financial analysis and tracking for R&D, capital, facility, bid & proposal, and new product development investments. Partner with HR on incentive compensation plans, including performance modeling and target setting. Provide actionable analysis to inform strategic investment decisions. KPI Development & Performance Oversight: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise KPIs and financial metrics that provide investor-grade transparency and integrity, supporting executive- and Board-level decision-making with timely insights. Executive & Board Communication: Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and actionable financial insights to the CFO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors, ensuring clarity and accuracy consistent with external stakeholder and boardroom expectations. Governance & Financial Controls: Establish and maintain rigorous financial controls, policies, and reporting standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and readiness for external audits and Board oversight. Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FP&A team. Build talent pipelines and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning. Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate across STR to influence strategic decisions and drive data-driven business outcomes as a trusted advisor to operations and functional leaders. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field required; MBA or Master’s preferred. 15+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in the defense contracting industry. At least 7 years of FP&A experience and 10 or more years in people management. Demonstrated leadership within complex, matrixed, and high-growth organizations. Expertise with enterprise planning and financial analytics tools; experience implementing or championing emerging technologies such as AI and automation within finance preferred. Experience supporting external audits and government compliance (DCAA/DFARS). Familiarity with financial reporting, controls, and processes typical of highly regulated environments (e.g., SOX, SEC reporting, Board governance). Proven ability to implement and drive process improvements and innovation within FP&A. Advanced communication, collaboration, and executive presentation skills. Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail. Ability to obtain a security clearance (U.S. citizenship required by DoD). Desired Attributes Change agent mindset; embraces and leads transformation. Business partner orientation with a collaborative, positive approach. Resilient and adaptable under pressure in a fast-paced and highly regulated business environment. Commitment to continuous professional development—self and team. Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $210,000.00 to $250,000.00 The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions. STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us. STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer. STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info. STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at View email address on click.appcast.io and provide your contact info. Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.