Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that provides responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components, with the goal of opening access to space. Their rockets and satellites support vital space missions globally, including scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and new technology demonstrations. The Electron rocket is a frequently launched U.S. rocket, and the company is developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. The Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including those for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. The Business Development team connects government and commercial customers with Rocket Lab's mission solutions, working closely to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions. This team builds and maintains relationships with customers and internal engineering and operations teams, staying informed about the space industry to deliver results. The Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion, based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, is responsible for managing all business development activities for propulsion products such as electric propulsion systems and propellant tanks. This role also involves supporting senior leadership and the Business Development organization with deliverables for the Board of Directors and investors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry
Experience in the aerospace/satellite sector
Experience with satellite propulsion products development, manufacturing, and/or sales
Frequent domestic and international travel is required
Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed
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
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.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite propulsion products
Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial and government satellite programs
Experience and/or deep understanding of engineering design or analysis is preferred
Experience and knowledge of mission design/trajectory capabilities and requirements
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
Must be personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups
Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
Ability to take ownership and action on challenges, and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the same
Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
Understanding of a manufacturing and engineering company, working in a manufacturing environment in the propulsion products industry, and propulsion products for space applications
Knowledge of typical propulsion product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs
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
Ability to develop cost estimates for build to print and design to specification programs
Ability to obtain security clearance

Responsibilities

Lead Rocket Lab’s propulsion products business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned propulsion products to meet and exceed sales metrics for the Space Systems division, including a range of propulsion tanks, thrusters, and complete propulsion subsystems, etc.
Develop and implement sales plans, systems, policies, initiatives, and procedures to manage the sales pipeline and close deals
Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing team in creating propulsion product collateral, marketing material, and strategic communications; and the Engineering and Production/Operations teams to ensure adequate plans for low lead-time delivery of propulsion products
Lead research on the propulsion product competitive landscape and market, lead forecasting of sales, determine pricing, and provide support for business development, strategy, and the space systems product and services roadmap
Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities
Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities/experience to provide propulsion products
Responsible for forecasting pipeline (non-backlog) element of revenue
Develop and present bid/no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submission
Advise on, and help implement, technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elements
Identify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission and program opportunities
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