BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, OPTICAL SYSTEMS - TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Business Development Director, Optical Systems is the primary interface between laser communications and optical payload customers and the engineering, production, and management teams. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Business Development, Optical Systems, and your primary responsibilities will include:

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Provide timely responses to all customer technical inquiries regarding Rocket Lab Optical Systems (RLOS) and Mynaric products.
• Draft proposals for new business opportunities, including Compliance Matrices to customer technical, programmatic, and product assurance requirements.
• Develop and manage relationships with customers, teaming partners, and industry associations to drive partnerships and new business.
• Use Rocket Lab internal tools such as Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals, and generate related KPIs.
• Monitor sales performance and generate forecasted demand on a product-by-product basis.
• Track the pipeline trend/fluctuations with total pipeline and in-forecast pipeline breakout.
• Maintain and improve customer-facing technical documentation, and work with the Engineering team to address any technical gaps.
• Support the Business Development team by generating quotes and export license applications, and follow up on pending items.
• Collaborate with the Communications team throughout communications campaigns and manage marketing material or other business unit collaterals.
• Remain current on the latest satellite competitive landscape, customer demand, and market trends to support sales forecasting, pricing strategy, business plans and product development roadmap.
• Monitor, research, and analyze competitive landscape to create competitive advantages.
• Develop and manage bid and proposal budgets to maximize the efficiency of BD resources.
• Provide guidance and support to capture teams on technical, pricing, and contractual issues.
• Lead writing efforts for various portions of responses to BAAs, RFIs, and RFPs.
• Ensure development and delivery of high-quality bid products and artifacts.
• Support travel to trade shows, conferences and business sites, as needed.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• Experience working or selling in the national security space sector.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience working SCI and SAP/SAR programs.
• 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:

• Previous experience working for or at the National Reconnaissance Office, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, and/or Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
• Business development experience, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) and US Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, etc.)
• Experience with design, manufacture, and/or test of optical payload and laser communications.
• Experience with space product lines that align R&D investment, technology/product roadmaps, and future opportunities.
• Highly organized and able to solve problems independently, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skillsets and expertise.
• Ability to communicate complex issues in a digestible manner for customers, staff, and executives.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Sales management experience and familiarity with diverse business functions such as sales, marketing, public relations, finance, and operations.
• Extensive awareness of current commercial and government satellite programs.
• Experience working with dynamic, geographically disperse 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.
• Practiced with the use of customer relationship management software.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles.
• Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field (electrical, mechanical, computer science, etc.).

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$257,000-$405,000 USD

Base Salary

$187,000-$280,000 USD