Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
STOKE Space Technologies
At Stoke, we believe that a thriving space economy leads to a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we are building our fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, Nova. It is designed to fly daily and solve the core challenges of space transportation – it reduces cost, increases availability, and enhances reliability. By radically lowering the cost and increasing the cadence of launch, we’re able to create a truly scalable space industry.
Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered with ownership of their work. If you want to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, come join us.
Description
Stoke is entering a defining phase of growth. Our success depends on our ability to deliver superior technology and fund our ambitions. We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief Financial Officer to lead our financial strategy, capitalize the company for growth, and oversee all aspects of Finance and Accounting. This role will partner closely with the CEO and senior management to ensure Stoke’s financial strength and technical execution. This is a unique opportunity to directly influence the trajectory of the company and the broader space economy.
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute on the company’s capital strategy, ensuring optimal funding through a balanced mix of equity and debt.
- Develop and maintain investor relationships by preparing and delivering fundraising materials and investor/board updates.
- Collaborate with the CEO on investor communications, board materials, and corporate strategy.
- Collaborate with the business development, marketing, and branding teams, and represent the company at public and private events.
- Develop and own the company's financial plan and forecasting models, track and report performance against strategic goals.
- Provide financial and commercial insight to support major contracts (commercial and government) and strategic decisions.
- Partner with the COO and Business Development teams to assess the financial value of new initiatives and partnerships.
- Oversee Accounting and Finance functions, managing, hiring, and coaching personnel to create a high-performing Finance team.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, regulators, and other relevant partners to ensure adherence to all requirements and obligations.
- Collaborate with internal and external legal teams on corporate, contractual, and compliance matters as appropriate.
- Support and model Stoke core values at all times.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- 15+ years’ experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven success raising capital from venture, growth, and institutional investors with deep experience structuring and executing fundraising strategies.
- Strong track record in strategic financial planning, forecasting, and business modeling.
- Exceptional communication and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into strategic insight.
- Experience managing investor relations and interacting with a professional Board of Directors.
- Experience with debt financing including venture debt and equipment financing.
- Familiarity with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures and strategic approach to each.
- Strong understanding of GAAP and proficiency with accounting systems and data tools.
- Experience in a hardware manufacturing environment.
- Pre-IPO and IPO experience, external audits, and/or government contracting is preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Benefits
- Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees
- Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
- Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
- Paid Family/Parental Leave
- On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
- Dog friendly offices!
Compensation
The expected base salary range for this role is $325,000 - $425,000, with a competitive executive equity grant, aligned with experience and scope.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.
Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.
Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.
E-Verify
Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.