Senior Director, Business Development - Civil & Commercial

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 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. SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – CIVIL & COMMERCIAL Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, 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. 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 snac