Director, Strategic Finance

Merlin Labs

Director of Strategic Finance at aerospace startup Merlin, building financial infrastructure from the ground up. Long-term P&L ownership of a product line in a collaborative environment.

Posted 7/24/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including the design and implementation of financial models, cost-tracking frameworks, and resource allocation strategies. Proficient in translating engineering roadmaps into actionable hiring plans and budgets while maintaining full P&L ownership.

Highest-signal resume keywords

FP&A Processes DesignFinancial ModelingProgram-Based FinanceCost-Tracking FrameworksP&L Ownership

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Financial ModelingCost-Tracking FrameworksBudgetingVariance AnalysisResource AllocationForecastingProgram Cost AccountingChart-of-Accounts ConventionsProcess WorkflowsPricing Strategy

Tools & Technologies

Financial Planning ToolsAnalytics Systems

Industry Keywords

FP&AStrategic FinanceEngineering HeadcountR&D SpendCapital AllocationEstimate At CompletionCost-Type ContractsRate Structures

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and implement FP&A processes for engineering headcount, program costs, R&D spend, and capital allocation
Build financial models that translate engineering roadmaps into resource plans, hiring forecasts, budget commitments, and strategic scenarios
Partner with Engineering and Program Management to enhance program cost accounting framework
Define chart-of-accounts conventions, cost center structures, and reporting hierarchies
Create monthly/quarterly operating cadence: actuals reviews, variance analysis, re-forecast processes
Deliver reporting and analytics for leadership's insight into burn, capacity, and program financial health
Support implementation of financial planning tools and systems
Assume full P&L ownership for an assigned product line
Drive pricing strategy, make-vs.-buy decisions, and resource allocation

Requirements

What you’ll need

12+ years of progressive senior FP&A or strategic finance experience
Exposure to program-based finance (Estimate At Completion, cost-type contracts, and rate structures)
Designed cost-tracking frameworks, financial models, and process workflows
Ability to translate technical roadmaps into hiring plans, budgets, and forecasts
BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, or related field required

Benefits

Comp & perks

catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options
an assortment of snacks
a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks
unlimited vacation
401k with match