Director, Contracts

Rocket Lab • Long Beach, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Based onsite at one of Rocket Lab’s US Sites (Long Beach, CA, Silver Spring, MD, Denver, CO, Albuquerque, NM), the Director of Contracts will be responsible for helping to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing contracts team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement to ensure that Rocket Lab meets its contractual obligations and performance milestones for its customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (16+ years total work experience)
• 12+ years of contract administration or contract management experience
• US Citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of Government contracts and contract types, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR), and/or the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS).
• Experience managing DoD and NASA prime contracts and/or subcontracts supporting DoD and NASA programs.
• Request for proposal (RFP) analysis and proposal preparation experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate and effectively communicate contract compliance information to various levels of management and program teams.
• Proven ability to support professional growth of team members by identifying development opportunities and coaching direct reports toward their personal and professional goals.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate Government contracts, commercial contracts, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements and IP licenses.
• Ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of Government and commercial contracts, including prime contracts, and serve as the key customer interface for any contractual changes, disputes, or requests for equitable adjustment during contract performance.
• Assist in proposal review and preparation in response to Government and commercial solicitations and respond to government and commercial requests for information/clarification during a procurement competition.
• Review, interpret and provide advice to internal clients regarding contract provisions and agreement types.
• Develop and evolve processes for efficient contract management with cross-functional partners.
• Establish and maintain excellent relationships with Government and other customer counterparts.
• Management of a small team of contracts professionals at various levels of professional development.

Benefits

• company stock
• 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
• a variety of other employee discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director