Job Description

A Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations for all employees. This position supports the full payroll cycle by maintaining employee data, auditing timekeeping records, resolving discrepancies, and collaborating with HR, Accounting, and IT to uphold internal controls and regulatory requirements. The Payroll Analyst drives process improvements, supports reporting and analytics, and contributes to a seamless employee experience by delivering consistent, detail‑oriented payroll support in a fast‑paced, aerospace manufacturing environment.

Category: Payroll

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: None

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching

Founded in 1982 by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites is an aerospace company continually working to push boundaries, prove out ideas, and influence the future. We are a rapid prototyping and manufacturing facility, designing, building, and testing proof-of-concept and prototype vehicles. We have flown an average of one new aircraft type per year over our 40-plus year history such as Proteus, GlobalFlyer, SpaceShipOne, Model 401, and Stratolaunch.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing accurate, timely processing of all payroll cycles, including regular, supplemental, and off‑cycle runs.
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and international tax regulations and labor statutes.
• Developing, implementing, and continuously improving payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partnering with HR, Accounting, and IT to integrate payroll systems with HRIS, time‑keeping, and reporting platforms.
• Driving automation initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce error rates.
• Preparing and presenting payroll metrics, dashboards, and executive reports with insights and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Leading audit readiness activities; responding to internal and external audit inquiries.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field AND Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible payroll experience, or combination of comparable, relevant professional experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent professional certification. [CS1]
• Demonstrated expertise with large‑scale payroll systems (e.g., ADP and Costpoint Deltek)
• Strong knowledge of US payroll tax regulations and experience with international payroll concepts.
• Proven track record of leading process improvements and automation projects.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience within the aerospace/defense industry or with government contracts.
• Working knowledge of and hands‑on experience with ADP and Deltek SFT.
• Hands‑on experience with payroll automation technologies.

Essential Job Functions:

• Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach
• May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard)
• Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen)
• Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to write for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
• May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc.
• Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
• Ability to converse and communicate information with others
• Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
• Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily
• Must be able to read and understand SDS