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Senior Manager, Strategic Finance (R5566)

Shield AI· Finance Division – FP&A
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San Mateo, CA$160k - $240kFull Time EmployeePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Senior Strategic Finance Lead with deep Aerospace & Defense (A&D) experience who will design and own the company’s integrated long-range financial model, drive enterprise-level financial strategy, and produce investor-grade outputs for C-suite, Board, and investors.

Responsibilities

  • Own and maintain a fully integrated, scalable, three‑statement model grounded in unit economics, operational drivers, and industry benchmarks.
  • Lead the Long Range Plan (LRP), including scenario modeling, sensitivities, and valuation frameworks.
  • Translate production ramps, R&D investments, contract timing, government milestones, and GTM strategy directly into financial outcomes.
  • Deliver investor-grade outputs including valuations, strategic insights, and Board-ready narratives.
  • Maintain a forward-looking view of risks, opportunities, capital needs, and strategic inflection points.
  • Digitize & scale modeling infrastructure by partnering with data engineering/systems teams to evolve modeling from Excel into cloud-based planning tools.
  • Design modular, scalable model architectures; use Excel where it provides meaningful leverage.
  • Integrate automation and analytics to improve clarity, reduce manual work, and increase decision velocity.
  • Analyze the business like an investor by benchmarking peers, building competitor profiles, KPIs, and market analyses; develop a point of view on unit economics, efficiency, scale, profitability, and capital allocation.
  • Support M&A modeling, valuation, synergy analysis, and diligence.
  • Lead cash flow & liquidity modeling including rolling forecasts, working capital, milestone payments, production cycles, and CapEx.
  • Model government contract payment timing, production curves, and program cash profiles; identify liquidity risks and support financing strategies.
  • Partner across the company by working with VP FP&A, CFO, CEO, and senior leaders to translate plans into financial impacts and improve forecast accuracy.

Qualifications

  • 8–10 years of experience, including significant time in investment banking, PE, hedge funds, or equity research.
  • Direct strategic finance leadership experience in a publicly traded company.
  • Deep A&D industry exposure (defense, aerospace, autonomy, robotics, industrial tech, or complex HW/SW).
  • Proven ownership of scalable three‑statement models, LRP development, valuations, sensitivities, and unit economics.
  • Exceptional Excel modeling capability; fluent in multi‑scenario three‑statement modeling, beat-and-raise frameworks, and driver-based forecasting.
  • Strong GAAP proficiency and command of financial statement mechanics.
  • Demonstrated ability to distill complex financial and technical information into clear insights for executives, Board, and investors.
  • Thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments with high accuracy and strong judgment.
  • Systems-oriented mindset; comfortable partnering with data and systems teams.

Skills

Required:Strategic financial modelingLong Range Planning (LRP)GAAP proficiencyExcel modelingCommunication to executives/investors
Nice to have:M&A modeling and valuation

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

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