Director, Manufacturing Finance

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

FINANCE

Rocket Lab’s Finance team is responsible for all financial transactions for the company, operating as a well-oiled machine to maximize the value of our work. Our Finance team are made up of planners, analysts and accountants, and manage our policies, compliance, and reporting. They’re the ones who keep our financial operations in check, always thinking ahead and taking care to meet all of our financial, business, and government obligations. They’re attentive, diligent, and meticulous, and are mission-critical to Rocket Lab.

DIRECTOR, MANUFACTURING FINANCE

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Manufacturing Finance is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial operations, planning, and analysis within the manufacturing function of the organization. This individual will act as a key business partner to the Chief Operations Officer and the manufacturing leadership team, driving financial performance, operational efficiency, and cost optimization across production facilities and supply chain operations. The Director will provide critical insights and recommendations to support decision-making, ensure compliance, and align financial strategies with the company’s overall goals.

The Director of Manufacturing Finance will report directly to the Vice President of Finance.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the COO and the manufacturing leadership team, providing strategic guidance on cost management, capital investments, and operational efficiencies.

• Develop and implement financial strategies that align with manufacturing goals and overall business objectives.

• Lead financial planning and forecasting processes for manufacturing operations, ensuring accuracy and alignment with corporate targets.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of detailed financial analyses, including cost variance analysis, production efficiency metrics, and profitability assessments.

• Lead Program Accounting efforts

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to manufacturing costs, inventory management, and supply chain performance.

• Present financial insights and recommendations to senior executives and stakeholders.

Cost Management and Optimization:

• Drive cost reduction initiatives across manufacturing operations, including labor, materials, overhead, and supply chain expenses.

• Collaborate with operations teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and waste reduction.

• Ensure accurate product costing to support profitability goals.

Capital Planning and Investment:

• Evaluate and prioritize capital investment opportunities in manufacturing facilities and equipment.

• Lead financial due diligence for new projects, ensuring alignment with ROI and payback criteria.

• Monitor capital expenditures and ensure adherence to budgets.

Operational Partnership:

• Partner with plant managers and supply chain leaders to improve operational performance and financial outcomes.

• Provide financial expertise to support decisions related to production planning, inventory management, and procurement strategies.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with operational objectives.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 15+ years of progressive experience in finance, with a focus on manufacturing or supply chain operations.

• Proven track record of driving cost optimization initiatives.

• Experience in managing large-scale budgets and capital projects.

• Ability to travel occasionally to manufacturing facilities and supply chain locations.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• MBA or CPA preferred.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only) $190,000 — $220,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our

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