Business Development Director, Satellites - TS/SCI Clearance

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket 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. Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Business Development Director, Satellites, 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
In-depth knowledge of government acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscape
Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
Specialization 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 platforms
Extensive awareness of current/ongoing US Government national security or civil 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

Responsibilities

Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications
Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense or civil space contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractors
Engage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab’s 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 Lab’s 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

Benefits

Company stock as part of your total compensation package
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
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Subsidized EV charging
Onsite fitness centers (where available)
Discounted gym memberships
Complimentary snacks and beverages
50% employee discount on our popular merch store
Variety of other employee discounts