Rocket Lab

Senior Director, Business Development - Civil & Commercial

Rocket Lab • $195K — $293K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical field
  • 15+ years of experience in business development or aerospace
  • In-depth knowledge of government contracting and commercial acquisition processes
  • Proven ability to secure contracts over $20M and manage strategic partnerships
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Willingness to support frequent travel (up to 50%) for business needs

Responsibilities

  • Lead business development initiatives in the satellite market
  • Develop capture strategies for large contracts in civil and commercial sectors
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders
  • Collaborate with teams to deliver compelling proposals
  • Monitor industry trends to inform business strategies
  • Grow and nurture existing customer relationships
  • Create new business opportunities by presenting Rocket Lab's capabilities

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan options
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase program
  • Discounts and other perks
Full Job Description
SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - CIVIL & COMMERCIAL

Based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, as the Senior Director, Business Development, you will drive Rocket Lab's growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on civil and commercial opportunities such as government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation, and technology companies. 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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil and commercial applications
  • Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large commercial or civil space contracts,
  • 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 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 commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape
  • Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • 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:
  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
  • Specialization in civil and commercial business development
  • Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms
  • Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial 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

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$195,000-$293,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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