Plant Controller

Safran DSI Business Unit:
Space Solutions

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units:
Assured PNT, Attollo Engineering, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. Safran DSI Space Solutions specializes in comprehensive satellite ground stations and modems, on-board radio communications for small satellite platforms, space optics, space propulsion systems, as well as solutions for space domain awareness (SDA) and surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking (SRT). If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level.

Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

We are seeking a hands‑on Manufacturing Plant Controller to help build and scale our cost accounting function as we grow. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced startup environment, enjoys creating structure from the ground up, and wants to be a strategic partner to operations—not just a reporter of numbers. In coordination with the business unit Controller, you will own product costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing financial insights, while helping shape processes, systems, and controls that can scale with the business.

• Build, maintain, and evolve manufacturing product costing models as the manufacturing facility opens and the business scales
• Establish standard costing and lead variance analysis for materials, labor, and overhead
• Own inventory accounting (raw materials, WIP, finished goods) and ensure accuracy as volumes grow
• Partner closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering to understand cost drivers
• Support monthly close with a focus on payroll, cost accounting, inventory, and margin analysis
• Provide support with recurring budgeting, planning, and forecasting activities for the Space Solutions business unit including capex management
• Assist with design and improvement of ERP processes related to manufacturing, cost accounting, and inventory
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling for production costs
• Prepare reporting based on Department of Defense (DOD) / DCAA policies
• Ensure US GAAP compliance while balancing startup speed and pragmatism
• Serve as a subject matter expert in SAP
• Assist with implementing and maintaining internal financial controls and procedures
• Support accounting and quality audits and help build scalable internal controls over time
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Minimum eight years’ experience in a similar position
• Strong accounting background in a mid or large size corporation including the ability to work successfully in a matrixed organization
• Requisite knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• SAP or similar ERP system knowledge with implementation experience a plus
• Strong experience using Excel in an accounting and finance function
• Self‑starter, able to find, learn, and absorb information quickly
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and oral and written communication skills
• Requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status required.

• CPA or CMA with strong manufacturing cost accounting experience preferred
• Experience working for a DoD federal contractor preferred
• Experience working for a company reporting under IAS/IFRS preferred
• Fluency in the French language is a plus
• Familiarity with EAR and ITAR compliance.

SALARY RANGE: $130,000 to $165,000 annual salary, plus participation in individual performance bonus plan.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a)).