Sr. Benefits Analyst

This position is open to candidates based in Herndon, VA, Mobile, AL, or Wichita, KS.

About the Role

Airbus Commercial is seeking an analytical and collaborative Senior Benefits Analyst to serve as the internal subject matter expert for US employee retirement, health, and welfare benefit plans. In this role, you will influence plan design, streamline system implementation, and ensure top-tier service delivery while partnering closely with Total Rewards colleagues.

Meet the Team

Our Human Resources department supports Airbus’ greatest assets—our team members—by working cross-departmentally and with global counterparts to enhance the employee experience.

Your Working Environment

The Washington, D.C. metro area hosts multiple Airbus offices, including the Airbus Experience Center and our regional corporate headquarters adjacent to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Responsibilities

• Plan Administration, Operations & Communication (50%)
  • Serve as the internal expert on plan operations, ensuring accurate benefit delivery in accordance with plan contracts and provisions.
  • Supervise the Leave of Absence process, acting as the central liaison for FMLA, STD, and LTD requests.
  • Research complex plan issues, diagnose root causes, and develop documented, actionable solutions.
  • Lead annual Open Enrollment by reviewing communications, coordinating timelines, validating system architectures, and assisting with employee elections.
  • Maintain employee benefits portals, audit HRIS data for precise contributions and deductions, and monitor new hire processing.
  • Review and distribute critical employee benefit communications and required plan documents.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight (35%)
  • Facilitate annual audits and non-discrimination testing for retirement, health, and welfare plans, including ACA filings.
  • Serve as the primary contact for external plan auditors, preparing data for Form 5500 filings and control group testing.
  • Identify and document structural improvements to compliance workflows.
  • Lead plan compliance correction processes and coordinate responses to government and accounting audits.
  • Ensure vendor, carrier, and record-keeper service delivery aligns with compliance standards and contractual terms.
  • Educate internal HR colleagues on regulatory updates and required compliance actions.
• Financials, Benchmarking & Special Projects (10%)
  • Oversee vendor relationships, purchase orders, invoices, and payments tied to the benefits and compensation budget.
  • Monitor benefits payments, build monthly budget-to-actual reconciliations, and establish annual funded purchase orders.
  • Complete benefit surveys and localized benchmarking analyses to maintain competitive offerings.
• Other Duties (5%)
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in corporate employee benefits administration and communications.
• 3+ years as a dedicated subject matter expert in benefit plan administration and compliance, including qualified (defined benefit/defined contribution) and nonqualified retirement plans, and health/welfare plans.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law and HR regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder expectations.
• Experience with HRIS tools like ADP, Workday, or SAP.
• Up to 5% domestic and international travel required.
• Authorized to work in the US.

Physical Requirements

• Vision: Daily ability to see and read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Daily ability to hear conversations in person and via teleconference/phone, including safety warnings or alarms.
• Speaking: Daily ability to participate in conversations and meetings.
• Equipment Operation: Daily use of personal computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, and electronic identification cards.
• Carrying: Several times a week, able to carry documents, tools, or equipment up to 30 lbs/14 kg.
• Lifting: Several times a week, able to lift documents, tools, or equipment up to 30 lbs/14 kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: Several times a week, able to push or pull small office furniture and tools.
• Sitting: Daily ability to sit for long periods in meetings or while working on a computer.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Several times a month, able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items.
• Standing: Daily ability to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.
• Walking: Daily ability to walk through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces.
• Work Environment: 80% onsite, 20% remote. Appropriate hearing/eye protection may be required when visiting the shop floor.

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation (including profit-sharing), retirement savings plan, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off (including personal time, holidays, and generous paid parental leave).
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability), Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and supplemental benefits.
• Individual Development: Access to Airbus’ global Leadership University, 10,000+ e-learning courses, certifications, career path development, accelerated development programs, and national/international mobility opportunities.