Principal Financial Planning Analyst

Position Title: Principal Financial Planning Analyst
Requisition ID: 1673
Position Location: Fairfax, VA (onsite)
Position Reports To: Senior Director, Finance
Supervises Others: No
 

At Trident, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

The Principal FP&A Analyst serves as a key strategic partner to executive leadership, driving financial insight, forecasting accuracy, and data-driven decision making across the enterprise. This role owns the development of complex financial models, business performance analysis, and strategic planning initiatives that directly influence company growth and valuation outcomes. The ideal candidate combines analytical depth with strong business acumen, operating comfortably in a fast-paced, PE-backed environment where precision and agility are critical.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of the company’s financial forecast, annual operating plan, and long-range strategic model.
• Partner with executive leadership and functional owners to translate business drivers into actionable financial insights and performance metrics.
• Analyze revenue, margin, and cost trends to identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and improved profitability.
• Drive monthly and quarterly management reporting, including variance analysis, key performance indicators, and executive-ready presentations.
• Support valuation modeling, scenario planning, and sensitivity analysis for board materials and investor discussions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve forecast accuracy and streamline data flows across ERP, project, and BI systems.
• Build and enhance financial models that support decision-making around pricing, capital allocation, and resource planning.
• Support due diligence, integration, and strategic initiatives related to the company’s private equity investment and future exit strategy.
• Develop and refine dashboards and automated reporting tools to improve visibility and speed of information delivery.
• Continuously evaluate and improve FP&A processes, tools, and methodologies to support a more agile, data-driven finance function.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• 9+ years of progressive (OR 7+ with a Master’s degree) experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or related analytical roles.
• Government contracting experience
• Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis in a multi-project or multi-business environment.
• Experience working cross-functionally and communicating effectively with executive leadership.
• Experience with Excel, Power BI (or similar), and ERP systems (e.g., Business Central).
• Proven success improving FP&A processes, data automation, or dashboarding initiatives.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and intellectual curiosity in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, CMA and/or CPA
• Experience in a private equity–backed environment
• Experience in Manufacturing based business
• Familiarity with revenue recognition, indirect rate structures, and cost allocations.
• Experience supporting valuation modeling, M&A, or investor reporting.
• Strong business acumen and executive presence, with the ability to challenge assumptions and influence decisions.

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position. 

Benefits 

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

• Health benefits
• Medical 
• Dental 
• Vision
• Basic life with AD&D
• Short term disabilit