Director, Regulatory Operations

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.


Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.


DIRECTOR, REGULATORY OPERATIONS

Rocket Lab is currently seeking a Director of Regulatory Operations who will lead the coordination and execution of regulatory strategy across Rocket Lab. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, legal, government relations, and business leadership, ensuring regulatory pathways are clear, risks are managed, and approvals progress efficiently from concept through deployment. The Director will be responsible for enabling and supporting filings by partnering closely with internal technical experts, legal counsel, and external advisors-removing blockers between submission and approval. This role also serves as a key relationship builder with U.S. and international regulatory bodies and industry organizations, while keeping the business informed of regulatory and policy developments that may impact operations or growth.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Lead and coordinate regulatory operations across applicable regimes (e.g., FCC, NOAA, DOC, State, USCG, ITU, FAA, PHMSA and other domestic or international authorities).
• Identify and eliminate blockers between regulatory filing and approval.
• Partner with engineering, legal, and other functions to support regulatory filings and approvals, ensuring technical, legal, and operational alignment.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with both working-level staff and senior leadership at relevant regulatory agencies.
• Assist subject matter experts and attorneys in the preparation of regulatory submissions by managing inputs, timelines, risk areas, and approval dependencies.
• Represent the company in regulatory and industry forums, including trade associations, standards bodies, and policy working groups.
• Lead regulatory engagement with relevant trade organizations to advance company and industry objectives.
• Advise internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and operational risk.
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and policy; proactively assess impacts to business operations and strategic initiatives.
• Develop internal regulatory processes, tracking mechanisms, and governance structures to support compliance and operational efficiency.
• Brief executive leadership on regulatory risks, timelines, and emerging policy issues as needed.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree +12 years of experience in regulatory affairs, regulatory operations, compliance, or government-facing roles within aerospace, space, aviation, telecommunications, or a similarly regulated industry. Will consider a Masters/Juris Doctorate and 9 years of experience including publications, articles and regulatory filings.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with U.S. government regulators (e.g., FCC, DOC, State, USCG, FAA) and/or international regulatory bodies.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, legal, and business teams.
• Strong understanding of regulatory processes, approvals, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced degree in law, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
• Prior experience supporting or overseeing the filing of regulatory applications (e.g., licenses, authorizations, certifications).
• Background in aerospace, space systems, satellite operations, advanced air mobility, or defense-adjacent industries.
• Experience engaging with international regulatory frameworks (e.g., ITU coordination, foreign licensing regimes).
• Experience representing organizations through trade associations or standards bodies.
• Familiarity with compliance program development, internal policy creation, or regulatory risk management.
• Established professional network across relevant government agencies and industry groups.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (D.C. Only)

$191,000-$275,000 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 people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.


Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on click.appcast.io dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.


Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.