Senior Manager, Program Finance (R5319)

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