Senior Director, Business Development - Satellites (TS/SCI Clearance)

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Director, Business Development - Satellites to drive growth in the satellite market, with a primary focus on national security opportunities. This role involves identifying and engaging potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts. The position is based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s 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 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 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 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.