Senior Director, Business Development - Civil & Commercial

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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.BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTRocket Lab’s Business Development team is responsible for connecting customers across government and commercial sectors with our industry leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems. They work closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions to deliver their missions. Building and maintaining relationships with customers and internally with engineering and operations teams is at the core of our Business Development team. They have their fingers on the pulse of the space industry and are driven to deliver results for our customers and our business.SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – CIVIL & COMMERCIALBased at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Senior Director, Business Development, you will drive Rocket Lab’s growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on civil and commercial opportunities such as government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation, and technology companies. 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 civil and commercial applicationsDevelop and execute capture strategies for securing large commercial or civil space contracts,Engage 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 discipline15+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sectorIn-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscapeProven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industryAbility to obtain and maintain a 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 civil and commercial business developmentDemonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platformsExtensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial 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 responsesThis 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.Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.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.Total Compensation (base and equity)$396,000—$486,000 USDBase Salary$213,000—$320,000 USDWHAT 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.