Strategic Ops & M&A Lead — Capital, Execution & Equity

Shield; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced strategy and M&A integration leader to own planning, coordination, and execution of acquisitions, drive enterprise-wide capital allocation and governance, and lead cross-functional integration programs across the organization.

The role requires robust financial modeling, executive reporting, and the ability to accelerate value capture while maintaining mission continuity. A U.S. citizenship is required and security clearance may be pursued.

Qualifications

• Min 6+ years of experience with Bachelors, 3+ with Masters.
• Min 2+ years' experience in a strategy consulting, corporate strategy or other high-rigor roles.
• Strong analytical and conceptual problem-solving abilities.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional transformations in fast-paced, technology-driven environments
• Demonstrated ability to structure ambiguous problems and drive insight through analysis.
• Financial modeling and analytical capability (unit economics, forecasting, scenario analysis).
• Experience or strong interest in complex, technical, or regulated industries (aerospace, defense, AI, or advanced manufacturing preferred).
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship required (ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance).

Responsibilities

• Build financial models and analytic frameworks for investment decisions (new platforms, manufacturing, international expansion).
• Assess TAM, margin structure, capital intensity, payback, and risk-adjusted returns.
• Contribute to the development of enterprise-wide capital allocation frameworks and governance processes.
• Translate strategic priorities into cross-functional execution plans with defined KPIs and milestones.
• Lead the planning and execution of integration efforts for acquisitions, strategic investments, and other inorganic growth initiatives.
• Track and report on progress through structured operating cadences (monthly and quarterly performance reviews).
• Identify bottlenecks, analyze root causes, and recommend actionable solutions to sustain execution velocity.
• Lead cross-functional M&A integration from diligence and pre-close planning through Day 1, Day 100, and business-as-usual transition.
• Translate deal objectives into integrated workplans, governance, milestones, decision forums, and executive reporting.
• Coordinate functional leaders to manage dependencies, resolve critical issues, and maintain business, customer, and mission continuity.
• Partner with Finance and business leaders to validate, track, and realize synergy, capability, and operational-value targets.
• Build repeatable integration playbooks, tools, and lessons learned to improve speed, rigor, and value capture across future transactions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Financial modeling

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder influence

Citizenship eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced strategy and M&A integration leader to own planning, coordination, and execution of acquisitions, drive enterprise-wide capital allocation and governance, and lead cross-functional integration programs across the organization.

The role requires robust financial modeling, executive reporting, and the ability to accelerate value capture while maintaining mission continuity. A U.S. citizenship is required and security clearance may be pursued.