FPA Manager

About Firehawk Aerospace

Firehawk is a cutting-edge propulsion company dedicated to enhancing national security through innovative solutions at the intersection of additive manufacturing and rocket science. As pioneers in the field, we are not merely a defense company; we represent the next era of American defense innovation. If you are passionate about pushing boundaries, solving complex challenges, and ensuring the safety and security of our nation, Firehawk Aerospace is the place for you.

The Role

At Firehawk, the Finance team plays a central role in shaping how the business operates and scales. We work closely with functional leaders and the executive team on decisions that define the trajectory of the company. We are looking for an analytically rigorous, action-oriented FPA Manager to join a lean team with outsized influence.

In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining financial visibility across a rapidly growing defense hardware organization. You will lead core planning processes—including budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and long-range planning—while also supporting high-priority strategic initiatives. Your work will directly inform executive and board-level discussions and help translate complex financial realities into clear narratives for investors and stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys building from first principles. You will design models, systems, and processes that build upon the existing infrastructure. The environment is fast-moving and ambiguous, and success requires the ability to operate with imperfect information, take full ownership, and consistently deliver practical, high-impact solutions. The ideal candidate combines intellectual curiosity, strong financial judgment, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to partnering across the business.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Addison, TX, with occasional travel (approximately 10%).

What You’ll Do

• Lead company-wide budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning efforts
• Build and maintain robust financial models to support strategic and operational decisions
• Own monthly reporting, performance reviews, and variance analysis for senior leadership
• Prepare financial materials and analysis for board meetings, investor communications, and internal operating reviews
• Design and scale FPA tools, dashboards, and processes to support continued growth
• Drive cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning to ensure financial resilience
• Evaluate financial scenarios and strategic initiatives through detailed, forward-looking analysis
• Identify opportunities to improve planning, forecasting, and reporting efficiency and accuracy
• Partner with functional leaders to develop annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and long-range plans
• Develop executive-level reporting and clearly communicate insights to senior management
• Act as a thought partner to department leaders, providing insight, challenge, and accountability around spend
• Monitor financial trends and risks, and recommend actions to improve cost efficiency and resource allocation
• Own headcount planning and reporting, ensuring alignment with financial, operational, and technical objectives
• Partner with People, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders on workforce planning, hiring plans, and labor cost analysis
• Support functional teams in building workforce plans during annual and long-term planning cycles
• Track actual performance versus plan across projects, including headcount, costs, and deliverables
• Create clear, high-quality presentations for executive leadership and the Board
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business Development, Legal, and other teams to ensure alignment on financial goals and performance
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or CFA a plus
• 5 years of experience in FPA, corporate finance, investment banking, management consulting, or similar analytical roles
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear takeaways for senior leaders
• Self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn in a rapidly evolving organization
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent workstreams
• Deep understanding of cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills; experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint) and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI)
• Demonstrated ability to improve and scale finance processes in growing organizations
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects under tight deadlines
• High level of ownership and curiosity; thrives in fast-moving, scrappy environments
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or high-growth startups strongly preferred
• Ability to work cross-functionally, challenge assumptions, and drive clarity from ambiguity
• Comfort distilling technical and financial complexity into actionable insights
  
  

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience supporting a scaling manufacturing or hardware-centric business
• Solid foundational accounting knowledge
• Familiarity with defense contracting environments, including DoD cost structures and pricing models (FFP, T and M, etc.)
• Genuine interest in national security, aerospace, and building mission-critical hardware
  
  

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace

At Firehawk Aerospace, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to provide peace of mind and help you thrive both personally and professionally.

• Health Coverage: We offer 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans. Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.
• Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work-life balance.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.
• On-Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry-leading engineers and engagement in cutting-edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk Aerospace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.