Senior Compensation Partner – Manufacturing & Engineering

Rocket Lab Corporation invites applications for a Senior Compensation Partner - Manufacturing & Engineering based in Long Beach, California. This full-time position offers the opportunity to drive compensation strategy and practice for one of the space industry's most innovative companies.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Total Rewards, you will provide strategic compensation analysis and recommendations to shape our executive and broad-based pay practices. You will partner closely with our People & Culture team and business leaders across manufacturing and engineering to support hiring, promotion, organizational, and annual compensation decisions. Your work will directly influence how Rocket Lab attracts, motivates, and retains world-class talent globally.

What You'll Do

• Partner with People & Culture leaders and business teams to support decisions on hiring, advancement, organizational initiatives, and compensation programs
• Design and maintain our global compensation architecture, including job levels and salary structures
• Conduct market research, quantitative analysis, and data modeling to uncover people-strategy insights and trends
• Manage participation in compensation surveys and aggregate competitive market data
• Create training and communication materials on compensation programs for recruiters, HR professionals, and managers
• Evaluate and recommend innovative compensation tools and platforms, with focus on AI-powered solutions
• Develop and drive our total rewards strategy and roadmap
• Partner with IT on process improvements and compensation system enhancements
• Provide analytical support for compensation compliance and regulatory requirements
• Review and approve compensation decisions for new hires and internal transfers
• Develop presentations and strategic recommendations for leadership

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in compensation analysis and administration with a bachelor's degree, OR 12+ years total work experience
• Proven experience leading competitive market analysis and benchmarking initiatives
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including financial modeling and quantitative analysis

Preferred qualifications include: master's degree; experience managing compensation in corporate or consulting environments; background supporting engineering and manufacturing teams; knowledge of post-acquisition compensation integration; expertise in stock-based compensation; Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation; proficiency with AI compensation platforms such as Compa or Pave; familiarity with Radford surveys; deep knowledge of compensation law and best practices; strong communication and consultative skills; and demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives in fast-paced settings.

This position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work, with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes in manufacturing areas.

More About Rocket Lab Corporation

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space systems company on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Our Electron rocket is now the second-most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our next-generation reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation missions. Through our Space Systems division, we design and manufacture satellites, spacecraft, and payloads—including spacecraft selected to support NASA's Moon and Mars missions and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Our diverse global teams drive scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate innovation, national security, and breakthrough space technology.

Applying for This Role

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