Strategic Finance Lead

Job description

**Who we are** Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies. # About the Role Picogrid is seeking a Strategic Finance Lead to build and own the financial operating system that supports our next stage of growth. This is a senior, hands-on role at the center of company planning, resource allocation, capital strategy, and business performance. You will partner directly with leadership to turn ambiguous business questions into rigorous financial models and clear recommendations. We’re looking for a high-agency finance builder who can move fluidly between strategic thinking and detailed execution. You will own the company model, KPI reporting, board and investor materials, and ad hoc analyses that help leadership make sharper decisions about where to invest, how to scale, and how to allocate capital. # Responsibilities - Support annual planning, quarterly reforecasting, monthly business reviews, and management reporting, creating the right level of process for a fast-moving startup. - Build KPI dashboards and reporting systems that give leadership a clear view of business performance, risks, opportunities, and operating priorities. - Business partner on resource allocation, production capacity, program economics, cost structure, and investment tradeoffs. - Prepare executive, board, investor, and fundraising materials, translating complex financial and operational inputs into concise, decision-ready narratives. - Drive strategic analyses on build-versus-buy decisions, working capital needs, hiring plans, capital expenditures, and long-range growth initiatives. - Improve finance systems, tools, and workflows, using automation and AI where useful to increase accuracy, speed, and leverage without overbuilding. - Operate as a trusted thought partner to leadership while remaining willing to roll up your sleeves, build models from scratch, and own the details. # Basic Qualifications - 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic finance, investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or a similarly analytical finance role. - Exceptional financial modeling, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build clear models from scratch and translate them into practical business recommendations. - Strong business judgment and comfort making decisions with incomplete information in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment. - Experience partnering directly with executives and cross-functional leaders across technical, operational, and commercial teams. - High ownership, low ego, and a bias toward action, with the willingness to both set strategy and execute the details yourself. - Basic understanding of accounting, close processes, revenue recognition, and financial controls needed to connect planning with actual business performance. # Preferred Qualifications - Prior experience in investment banking, consulting, private equity, or venture-backed operating finance is a plus. - Experience in aerospace & defense tech or another highly technical and operationally complex environment. - Experience hardware-enabled business models, including inventory, supply chain, production capacity, working capital, capital expenditures, and program-level profitability. - Experience building finance systems, dashboards, planning tools, or BI workflows using modern software, automation, SQL, or AI-enabled workflows. # Compensation and Benefits - Base salary range: $160,000 - $200,000 per year plus performance incentive. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package. - Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company - 401(k) with employer matching - Health coverage for you and your family (medical, dental, and vision insurance) - Relocation assistance provided (if applicable) - Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 13 paid holidays per year - Paid parental leave for both parents - Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette - Free EV charging at the HQ - Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer #LI-DNP Export Control Requirements To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.