Senior Director, Business Development Civil & Commercial

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys 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 DEVELOPMENT

Rocket Labs 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 & COMMERCIAL

Based at Rocket Labs site in Chantilly VA as the Senior Director Business Development you will drive Rocket Labs 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 YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil and commercial applications
• Develop 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 Labs solutions align with their evolving needs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies
• Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities
• Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Labs capabilities/experience to provide satellite solutions including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements
• Lead and/or participate in proposal activities including generation of technical management cost schedule and proposal content for new business
• Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment efficiency and collaboration including coordinating with stakeholders
• Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings
• Travel as needed for business opportunities
• Other duties as assigned or required

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 15 years of experience in business development program management or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
• In-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes government contracting and the commercial space landscape
• Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients attend industry events and support capture efforts

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
• Specialization in civil and commercial business development
• Demonstrable record of success in business development sales program management and/or engineering of satellite systems payloads or platforms
• Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial space satellite programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Experience leading managing and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products including MS Project
• General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Experience with proposal development writing and best practice capture processes and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
• Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses

This 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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginias pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base Pay Range (VA Only)

$213000 - $320000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 This 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.

Required Experience:

Exec