Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Manager of Program Finance to lead financial execution, forecasting, and business partnership across key programs. This role will serve as a strategic finance partner to Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.
The ideal candidate has deep experience in defense program finance, thrives in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment, and can balance financial rigor with the speed required in a high-growth company. This individual will be responsible for improving visibility into program performance, strengthening forecasting discipline, driving EAC and risk/opportunity processes, and helping program teams make better business decisions.
This is a hands-on leadership role. The Senior Manager will be expected to both lead and execute: building processes where they do not exist, improving existing reporting and financial cadences, and developing a team capable of supporting Shield AI’s continued growth.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field
8+ years of relevant experience in program finance, finance leadership, FP&A, pricing, or related aerospace/defense finance roles
Experience supporting defense, aerospace, government contracting, or complex engineering/manufacturing programs
Strong understanding of program financial management, including EACs, forecasting, variance analysis, risk/opportunity tracking, and program performance reporting
Experience partnering directly with Program Managers and cross-functional teams to drive financial outcomes
Strong understanding of contract types, especially fixed-price programs, and how contract structure impacts financial strategy, risk, and execution
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
Ability to translate operational, technical, and program inputs into clear financial insights and recommendations
Experience presenting financial performance, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership
Proven ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and drive results in ambiguous or fast-changing environments
Experience leading, mentoring, or developing finance team members
Preferred qualifications:
MBA, CPA, or advanced degree in a related field
10+ years of experience in defense, aerospace, or government contracting finance
Prior experience managing a program finance team or leading finance support across a portfolio of programs
Experience with pricing, proposals, BOEs, and new business capture support
Experience with manufacturing, supply chain, production finance, or hardware-based programs
Experience building or improving finance processes in a high-growth or less mature environment
Familiarity with ERP, planning, and reporting tools such as Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, Power BI, or similar systems
Experience supporting fixed-price production programs with material, labor, margin, and cash flow complexity
Familiarity with government contracting requirements, including FAR/DFARS, earned value concepts, and cost accounting principles
Active or prior security clearance
