Private Equity Associate 2027 start

San Francisco Bay Area • Summer 2027 start

About the Role

The Associate will join a San Francisco-based private equity firm focused on investing in critical businesses across the industrial economy. Associates work closely with senior investment professionals and operating partners, contributing meaningfully to investment decision-making while gaining exposure to value creation initiatives at the portfolio company level. This position offers significant hands-on experience, early ownership, and a clear development path within a growing firm that emphasizes long-term partnership, operational engagement, and thoughtful investing.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in investment banking and/or private equity, with preference for candidates who have had exposure to middle-market buyouts
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, with the ability to independently build and analyze detailed operating and transaction models
• High level of proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is essential
• Deep understanding of financial statements, market analysis, and due diligence processes
• Exposure to industrials or related sectors is a plus, but not required
• Demonstrated ability to manage workstreams, prioritize effectively, and coordinate with internal team members and third-party advisors

Personal Characteristics

• Highly motivated self-starter who takes ownership of work and proactively drives projects forward
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with lean deal teams
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and committed to producing high-quality, accurate work
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a positive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to clearly articulate complex concepts and analyses to senior investors, management teams, and advisors
• Intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in investing, business building, and long-term value creation
• Entrepreneurial attitude with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” mentality and eagerness to learn

Pay

$200-230k all-in depending on experience