Mergers and Acquisitions Associate

District Partners is engaged by a well-established boutique investment bank with deep expertise in the Aerospace, Defense, and Government (ADG) sector to identify an Associate for their deal team. The firm advises owners and management teams through sell-side and divestiture processes, with a deal profile primarily in the sub-$100M enterprise value range and an active pipeline that now includes larger, transformative transactions.

This is a rare opportunity for an early-career professional to step into a role with direct deal exposure from day one — working closely alongside two seasoned principals with no layers in between.

This is not a siloed back-office role. You will have direct exposure to every phase of the deal process and work alongside principals who are accessible, collaborative, and invested in your growth. The firm envisions this seat evolving toward a VP-level role with responsibility for managing junior staff as the team expands.

Who we're looking for:

We are actively recruiting candidates from two backgrounds. If either profile resonates, we encourage you to reach out.

• Profile 1: Investment Banking Analyst - You are an analyst at a middle-market or full-service investment bank with 1–3 years of experience in M&A advisory, capital markets, or leveraged finance. You are proficient in financial modeling, CIM preparation, and running structured sale processes. You are ready to take on greater ownership of deals and work directly with clients — with fewer rungs on the ladder between you and the outcome.
• Profile 2: Big 4 TAS / FDD Senior Associate - You are a senior associate from a Transaction Advisory Services or Financial Due Diligence practice at a Big 4 or nationally recognized firm. You have strong quantitative instincts, quality of earnings experience, and a genuine desire to move to the advisory side of the table. You are excited to develop your qualitative and marketing skillset and take a more active role in shaping transaction narratives.

Sector-specific ADG experience is a plus — but is not a prerequisite. The firm has a strong track record developing that knowledge in motivated candidates.

What You'll Do:

• Support active sell-side M&A processes across the ADG landscape, including government services, aerospace manufacturing, defense technology, and adjacent verticals
• Build and maintain financial models for enterprise valuation, scenario analysis, and transaction structuring
• Prepare high-quality marketing materials including Confidential Information Memoranda (CIMs), management presentations, and pitch materials
• Manage deal room logistics, buyer outreach coordination, and diligence process support
• Engage directly with clients and counterparties, with growing independence as you ramp up
• Collaborate closely with two principals who are deeply invested in your development

What You'll Have:

• 1–4 years of experience in investment banking (M&A, generalist, or industry-focused) or transaction advisory services / financial due diligence at a reputable firm
• Demonstrable financial modeling proficiency (LBO, DCF, comparable company analysis, quality of earnings)
• Experience preparing or contributing to CIMs, management presentations, or comparable client deliverables
• High degree of self-direction — comfortable managing your own workload in a fully remote environment
• Strong written communication skills; able to synthesize complex financial and business information for a sophisticated buyer audience
• Genuine interest in the defense, aerospace, and government contracting ecosystem
• Series 79 license, or willingness to obtain

Why This Role:

• Base salary: ~$115K (flexible for the right candidate)
• Performance bonus: deal-based; prior associate earned approximately $75K on a $115K base
• Health coverage: 100% reimbursed via individual health exchange
• PTO: flexible/unlimited — no formal tracking, advance notice expected
• Work environment: fully remote with occasional in-person client meetings and team gatherings

Interview Process:

• Step 1 — Introductory call with District Partners
• Step 2 — Separate video interviews with each principal
• Step 3 — In-person meeting (lunch or coffee) with firm leadership

Given active deal timelines, the firm is moving quickly. Strong candidates will be introduced to the client within days of initial outreach.

To be considered, please apply directly through this posting or reach out to the District Partners team.