Investment Banking Associate, Defense & Government

Complex deals, real ownership, and career momentum. Grow further at Baird. ​

Baird is where investment banking careers gain real traction. Associates take on meaningful responsibility, work closely with senior bankers and clients, and grow in a culture that values performance, collaboration, and long-term success.​

We are seeking a highly motivated experienced Investment Banking Associate with at least two years of Investment Banking or equivalent experience to join our Defense & Government team in Tysons Corner, VA. Baird’s 20+ person dedicated Defense & Government team is recognized as a leading M&A advisor to the sector. Since 2021, the team has advised on 60 transactions totaling over $28 billion in transaction value.

What You’ll Do​:

Responsibility that shapes your skill. Work that deepens your impact.​

• Play a lead role in executing public equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic financial advisory services across a range of sectors​

• Drive the preparation of company valuations, financial models, marketing materials, and client presentations​

• Contribute to business development efforts through research and analysis​

• Work directly with senior bankers and client executives, gaining insight into leadership-level decision-making​

• Oversee deal execution by directing analysts in their use of AI platforms like Rogo for due diligence and research, while using tools like Power BI to synthesize complex data into strategic advice for clients

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What You’ll Gain​:

A team that runs on trust, momentum, and shared values​.

• Build strong relationships with client leadership and C-suite executives through active involvement in complex M&A transactions​

• Take on greater ownership through lean deal teams that offer more responsibility ​

• Navigate clear paths for progression with mentorship, visibility, and real opportunity​

• Advance alongside elite, high-performing peers who hold each other to a high standard​

• Collaborate across Baird’s global investment banking platform—500+ banking associates working together to drive results across geographies, sectors, and specialties​

• Grow in a culture that values diverse perspectives, welcomes ambition, and builds success through collaboration and shared purpose​

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What It Takes​:

We’re looking for people ready to lead with focus and integrity​.

• At least one year of full-time experience in a solution-focused financial or quantitative role​

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a track record of delivering results​

• Clear communication, strong leadership, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, high-performing team​

• Intellectual agility, initiative, and the drive to grow in a fast-paced, client-focused environment​

• Experience with AI tools such as Rogo, CoPilot, and Auxi is preferred

• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar

Compensation and Benefits:

• $175,000 - $200,000 annual salary with bonus potential

• Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or GIB profitability

• In addition to a strong culture that is focused on health and well-being, our organization offers competitive total compensation packages and comprehensive benefits including: protected Friday night and Saturdays, periodic sabbaticals during career, shareholder opportunities, mandatory paid time off (PTO) and robust 401k match and profit-sharing contribution

Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: Baird does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not compensate for any placement resulting from such submissions. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be treated as valid applications.

Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.