Business Development Director, National Security - TS/SCI Clearance

Business Development Director, National Security – TS/SCI ClearanceBased at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Business Development Director you will drive Rocket Lab's growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on national security opportunities. Your role will involve identifying and engaging with potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts that expand our market share in this rapidly growing sector.What You'll Get To Do:Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applicationsDevelop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense or civil space contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractorsEngage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab's solutions align with their evolving needsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new businessMonitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategiesGrow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunitiesCreate new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab's capabilities/experience to provide satellite solutions – including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirementsLead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new businessDevelop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholdersRepresent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetingsTravel as needed for business opportunitiesOther duties as assigned or requiredYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sectorIn-depth knowledge of government acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscapeProven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industryActive TS/SCI security clearanceAbility to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture effortsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or businessSpecialization in US government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) or US Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, etc.)Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platformsExtensive awareness of current/ongoing US Government national security or civil space satellite programsExcellent verbal and written communication and presentation skillsExperience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projectsProficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS ProjectGeneral knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirementsExperience using customer relationship management (CRM) softwareExperience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposalsExperience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses