Full Job Description
Your role and responsibilities
The SAP PS/CO Solution Architect (A&D) is a senior functional architect responsible for designing and governing SAP Project Systems (PS) and Controlling (CO) solutions that support complex, regulated Aerospace & Defense programs. This role ensures SAP solutions align with A&D program management, cost control, compliance, and government contracting requirements across the full program lifecycle.
The architect partners with Finance, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Compliance teams to deliver scalable, compliant SAP solutions supporting cost-plus, fixed-price, and long-term defense programs within ECC and S/4HANA environments.
Key Responsibilities
Solution Architecture & Program Design
Lead end-to-end SAP PS/CO solution architecture for A&D program-driven implementations and transformations
Design SAP solutions to support:
Program lifecycle management (R&D, engineering, production, sustainment)
Capital and non-capital project structures
Multiyear, multi-contract defense programs
Own global PS/CO design standards aligned to A&D operational and financial controls
Ensure architectural alignment with SAP Activate and enterprise governance models
SAP PS Functional Leadership (A&D Focus)
Design and configure SAP PS to support:
Complex WBS structures aligned to A&D program hierarchies
Network activities tied to engineering and manufacturing execution
Milestones, progress tracking, and earned value indicators
Availability control and program budgeting
Enable integration with Engineering Change Management, Manufacturing, and Asset Accounting
Support project capitalization, settlement, and asset under construction (AuC) processes
SAP CO Functional Leadership
Architect CO solutions supporting A&D cost transparency and control:
Cost Center Accounting
Internal Orders
Activity-Based Costing
Product Costing (Make-to-Order / Engineer-to-Order)
Profitability Analysis (CO-PA)
Design cost collection and allocation models aligned to:
Labor, overhead, and burden rates
Program-level margin and variance analysis
Support revenue recognition and financial reporting for long-running defense programs
Compliance, Controls & Government Contracting
Design SAP PS/CO solutions compliant with:
FAR / DFAR requirements
DCAA audit standards
ITAR considerations (process-aligned, not technical enforcement)
Government cost accounting and reporting expectations
Ensure auditability, traceability, and segregation of duties within SAP
Support compliance-driven reporting and documentation needs
S/4HANA & Digital Transformation
Lead PS/CO design for ECC - S/4HANA transitions in A&D environments
Address impacts of Universal Journal (ACDOCA) on project and cost controlling
Enable real-time program reporting, margin analysis, and embedded analytics
Partner with data, security, and testing teams during migration and cutover
Stakeholder & Delivery Leadership
Serve as the primary SAP PS/CO advisor to:
Program Management Offices (PMO)
Finance & Cost Accounting leadership
Engineering and Operations stakeholders
Lead blueprint workshops and executive design reviews
Mentor global SAP functional teams and peer architects
Provide functional governance during build, SIT, UAT, and go-live
Required education
Bachelor's Degree
Preferred education
Bachelor's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field
10+ years of SAP PS and CO experience, including solution architecture responsibilities
Demonstrated experience delivering SAP solutions in Aerospace & Defense environments
Strong functional knowledge of:
SAP Project Systems (PS)
SAP Controlling (CO)
Proven experience with program-based costing and financial controls
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on S/4HANA Finance experience
Experience supporting cleared or government-regulated A&D programs
SAP certifications in PS, CO, or S/4HANA Finance
Experience with:
Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts
R&D and NPI program tracking
Global defense or aerospace manufacturing environments
Core Competencies
SAP PS/CO Solution Architecture
A&D Program Costing & Control
Government Contracting Compliance (FAR/DFARS)
Financial & Project Governance
Executive Stakeholder Engagement
Cross-Functional Leadership & Mentorship
Why This Role
Architect mission-critical SAP solutions supporting national defense and aerospace programs
High-impact, enterprise-level role with executive visibility
Influence financial transparency, program governance, and operational efficiency
Shape SAP standards across complex, regulated A&D environments
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.