Director of Finance

Who we are

Picogrid builds hardware and software infrastructure to connect and control the systems that power critical industries. Our platform unifies sensors, platforms, and operators to power mission planning, autonomous system control, and real-time decision-making.

We partner directly with operators, technology companies, and federal agencies to deliver rapidly deployable, mission-critical capabilities where they’re needed most, often on short timelines and in challenging conditions. Our technology is trusted in active operations, not just test environments, and we move quickly to close real-world capability gaps for those on the front lines.

Joining Picogrid means working on high-impact problems at the intersection of autonomy, national security, and cutting-edge technology. You’ll be part of a small, elite team that builds and ships systems used by the leading organizations around the world. We operate with urgency, ownership, and a deep respect for the mission.

About the role

As Director of Finance, you will own financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, as well as oversee all day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, reporting, treasury, and compliance. You’ll work closely with company leadership and the sales team to develop strategies that ensure financial health and operational excellence as we grow.

You will play a critical role in shaping and executing our financial strategy, supporting key initiatives including contract management, pricing, cost controls, and risk management. The ideal candidate brings experience in a defense technology environment and can navigate the complexities of a business at the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and government contracting.

This is an executive-level role reporting directly to the CEO.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial functions, including accounting, FP&A, budgeting, reporting, audit, and tax.

• Collaborate with the sales team to drive forecasting accuracy and operational insight.

• Drive operational reporting and maintain the sales pipeline forecast by working closely with the sales organization.

• Manage daily invoice processing and reconciliation.

• Develop financial forecasts, operational KPIs, and dashboards to guide strategic decisions.

• Manage treasury, cash flow, and working capital to ensure the company’s financial stability.

• Partner with leadership on capital allocation, pricing models, and growth strategies.

• Establish and maintain internal controls, processes, and systems to support scalability and compliance.

• Ensure GAAP compliance across all accounting and reporting functions.

• Oversee defense-specific financial matters, including contract structuring, revenue recognition, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FAR, DFARS).

• Support board-level financial reporting and investor communications.

• Build and manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, and legal counsel.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in finance leadership roles, ideally at venture-backed startups or high-growth companies.

• Strong familiarity with government contracts, pricing, and cost accounting standards.

• Deep understanding of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting.

• Ability to develop and execute strategic financial plans in a fast-paced startup environment, including working with cross-functional stakeholders to develop pricing models and strategies.

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting for audit.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to distill financial information for executive and technical audiences.

• Proven ability to build scalable financial systems and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CFA, or MBA in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Experience in defense technology, aerospace, or adjacent industries.

• Investment banking experience.

• Experience scaling financial operations at a venture-backed company through Series C.

• Experience with defense-specific accounting and compliance frameworks (e.g., CAS, DFARS).

• Excitement about defense technology

Why

• Base salary range: $170,000 - $220,000 per year plus performance incentive. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation.

• Equity ownership: Meaningful stock options with high upside as an early-stage company.

• Benefits:

  • 401(k) with employer matching.

  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance).

  • Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year.

  • Paid parental leave for both parents.

  • Lunch provided when working in-office and fully stocked kitchenette.

  • Free EV charging when working in-office.

  • Unique office space in the heart of El Segundo's defense technology community.

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.