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.

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%).

• 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

• 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 work streams
• 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…