Business Unit Controller, PDT

Job Title: Business Unit Controller, PDT

Location:

Goleta, CA, US, 93117

Business Unit: Rotron PDT

Posting Date: Oct 30, 2026

Job Description:

ABOUT PDT

Pacific Design Technologies (PDT), an AMETEK business, is a premier provider of advanced liquid cooling and pumping systems for a variety of mission-critical aerospace and space applications. As part of AMETEK's Aerospace & Defense platform, PDT operates in a highly engineered, high-mix/low-volume, decentralized environment where innovation, agility, and operational excellence are essential to delivering success.

Our culture rewards leaders who combine strong business and financial acumen with a hands-on, collaborative approach, driving performance, accountability, and value creation across the enterprise.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Business Unit Controller serves as the senior financial leader for Pacific Design Technologies and a key strategic business partner to the Business Manager and leadership team. This position is responsible for all financial management activities for the site, supporting complex Aerospace and Defense programs, and driving performance in a decentralized, highly autonomous environment.

This executive finance role requires deep expertise in standard costing, program profitability, operational finance, and disciplined execution. The Business Unit Controller provides actionable financial insights that drive strategic decision-making, operational improvements, profitability growth, and cash flow optimization. This is a high‑visibility, succession‑oriented role with frequent exposure to Division and Corporate leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Business Manager and leadership team.
• Shape strategic decision‑making through rigorous financial insight into pricing, margin structure, product mix, capacity, Make/Buy, and capital deployment.
• Support new program development and long‑cycle Defense initiatives with ROI modeling, risk analysis, and scenario planning.

Financial Planning & Performance Management

• Lead the annual operating plan, monthly forecasts, strategic planning, and long‑range financial planning.
• Conduct robust monthly operating reviews covering sales, margins, overhead performance, absorption, and cash generation.
• Proactively identify risks, opportunities, and performance gaps; drive corrective action with cross‑functional teams.

Manufacturing, Cost, & Program Finance Leadership

• Own all aspects of standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and cost accounting.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to improve productivity, yield, throughput, and material efficiency.
• Lead working capital performance, including inventory optimization, cycle‑time improvement, and program costing accuracy.
• Support DoD‑related contract structures including cost‑plus, T&M, and fixed-price defense programs (experience preferred).

Financial Controls & Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate financial close, internal reporting, balance sheet integrity and revenue recognition.
• Maintain compliance with US GAAP, SOX 404, AMETEK financial policies, and Defense‑related financial standards.
• Lead audit preparation, remediation, and continuous improvement of financial processes.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop a high‑performing finance organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, operational engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a senior member of the leadership team, influencing strategy and organizational development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 7+ years of progressive financial leadership within manufacturing, with strong exposure to standard costing and operational finance.
• Prior experience as a Business Controller, Plant Controller, or senior FP&A leader.
• Demonstrated success operating in a decentralized, high‑accountability business model.
• Strong understanding of inventory, absorption, cost accounting, and working capital management.
• Advanced financial modeling and analytical capability.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.
• Due to the nature of PDTs business programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

Preferred

• Experience in Aerospace & Defense, including understanding of DoD cost structures and compliance requirements.
• Multi‑site manufacturing experience within a public company environment.
• Exposure to M&A, integration, or divestiture activities.
• CPA or Master's degree.
• Expertise with Oracle ERP, Hyperion/HFM, and data visualization tools such as Power BI.
• Strong executive communication skills and comfort presenting to Division and Corporate leadership.

Why Join PDT & AMETEK:

• Growth role within AMETEK's largest A&D business-true visibility and influence.
• Operate within AMETEK's highly decentralized, entrepreneurial culture, where leaders are empowered to run their businesses.
• Opportunity to work with complex, engineered-to-order products-not commodity manufacturing.
• Close partnership with Operations, Engineering, and Business Development on mission‑critical programs.
• Career growth potential into broader Division or Corporate finance leadership roles.

#LI-JW3

Compensation

Employee Type: Salaried

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 180,000

Salary Maximum: 225,000

Incentive: Yes

Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

For more information on AMETEKs competitive benefits, please click here.

AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.

AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

Nearest Major Market: Santa Barbara

Nearest Secondary Market: Santa Maria