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Business Development Manager, Satellites - Defense Segment (TS/SCI Clearance)

Long Beach, California, United States

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, SATELLITES – DEFENSE SEGMENT (TS/SCI CLEARANCE)

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Business Development Manager, Satellites - Defense Segment, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to expand Rocket Lab’s satellite offerings within the defense sector. You will lead the charge in identifying new business opportunities, crafting strategic capture plans, and securing major contracts that enhance our presence in the national security market.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

  • Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications in coordination with the Director of Business Development – Satellites
  • Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractors
  • Engage with key defense 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 defense 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
  • 8+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
  • In-depth knowledge of defense acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscape
  • Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the defense industry
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • 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.) 
  • 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 satellite programs 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills 
  • Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts. Mostly domestic travel with some international travel required as well
  • Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$100,000 - $180,000 USD

 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

 

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

 

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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