Employ Pine
Northrop Grumman
Compensation Analyst
Location
Falls Church, VA, 22040
Job Type
Other
Date Posted
27 November 2025
Company Overview
Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology leader. Employees are encouraged to innovate, challenge norms, and make meaningful contributions to national security and technological advancement.
Location & Work Details
Location: McLean, Virginia
Travel: ~10%
Relocation Assistance: None
Clearance: None
U.S. Citizenship required
Role Overview
The Principal/Senior Principal Compensation Analyst reports to the Director of Compensation. The position involves providing consultation, analysis, and support for executive compensation programs, policies, and procedures. The analyst partners with HR Business Partners and business leaders to ensure compensation strategies align with organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with HRBPs to identify current and future compensation needs.
Research market trends and analyze data to support HR/compensation priorities.
Provide guidance on total compensation solutions.
Review job classifications, position descriptions, and market data for job leveling recommendations.
Assess pay competitiveness and recommend adjustments as needed.
Develop and implement change management plans for compensation initiatives.
Lead Annual Compensation Review (ACR) processes and training.
Support enterprise-wide compensation training and communications.
Conduct ad hoc research for HR and business leaders.
Candidate Profile
Ability to translate compensation philosophy into actionable recommendations.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills; advanced Excel experience (formulas, data visualization).
Clear and concise communication of complex data.
Consultative, collaborative, and problem-solving mindset.
Experience with large, complex initiatives and associated change management.
Independent yet team-oriented work style.
Basic Qualifications
Principal Level:
Master's degree + 3 years relevant experience, or Bachelor's + 5 years
Knowledge of HR practices, including compensation analysis
Senior Principal Level:
Master's degree + 6 years relevant experience, or Bachelor's + 8 years
Minimum 8 years in compensation, HR, or related discipline
Extensive knowledge of HR practices and compensation analysis
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or in-progress certification
Experience with Workday business processes and functionality
Prior experience in a large government contracting environment
Salary Range
Principal Level: $82,900 – $136,000
Senior Principal Level: $95,900 – $149,900
Additional compensation may include bonuses, shift differentials, and long-term incentives for senior roles.
Benefits
Health insurance, life/disability coverage
Retirement savings plan
Paid holidays and PTO
Opportunity for overtime or discretionary bonus
Employment Notes
Equal Opportunity Employer
U.S. Citizenship required
Application period: ~20 days from posting (may vary based on business needs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Falls Church, VA hosts a moderate demand for Compensation Analysts, with a growing defense and tech sector. Candidates with strong analytical skills and familiarity with federal pay scales gain an edge, but competition remains manageable for those leveraging local networking and industry-specific certifications.
In Falls Church, VA, certifications like CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) and SHRM-CP are highly regarded for Compensation Analysts. These credentials signal expertise in compensation strategies and compliance, aligning well with companies such as Northrop Grumman that value regulated and strategic pay practices.
Compensation Analysts typically require strong data interpretation skills, proficiency in compensation software, and a deep understanding of salary structures. Unlike compensation managers, analysts focus more on market data analysis and program evaluation rather than overseeing teams or strategy development.
Starting as a Compensation Analyst often leads to roles in senior analysis, compensation consulting, or management. Mastery of data analytics and compensation laws can open pathways to becoming a Compensation Program Manager or Advisor, especially within sectors like aerospace or defense.
Routine responsibilities include analyzing pay data, preparing salary reports, and ensuring equitable compensation across roles. Unlike payroll analysts, compensation analysts focus more on benchmarking and program design rather than processing payments, making their role strategic within HR.
At Northrop Grumman, a Compensation Analyst engages deeply with defense industry pay structures, supporting complex compensation programs. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to align pay strategies with federal regulations, offering a dynamic workplace culture focused on innovation and compliance.
While Northrop Grumman primarily bases Compensation Analysts in Falls Church, VA, some flexibility for remote work exists depending on project needs and security clearance. Candidates interested in remote roles should inquire about hybrid arrangements and telework policies specific to compensation teams.
Compensation Analysts in Falls Church, VA typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, reflecting the region's cost of living and industry standards. Senior roles or those with specialized defense experience may command salaries above this range.
Local positions in Falls Church often offer higher base pay and direct collaboration with defense contractors, while remote Compensation Analyst jobs provide flexibility and access to broader markets. However, remote roles may require greater self-direction and proficiency with virtual data tools.
Shifting from a Specialist to Analyst role demands enhanced data analytics capabilities and deeper knowledge of compensation frameworks. In Falls Church, adapting to federal pay guidelines and defense industry nuances adds complexity but also valuable expertise.
Employment opportunities at Northrop Grumman
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