Proposal Manager II/Senior

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

PROPOSAL MANAGER II/SENIOR

As a Proposal Manager based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will develop, write and edit proposals for programs. You will manage all aspects of proposal preparation following industry best practices, revision and submission, and coordinate inputs from technical, contracts, and finance business units. To be successful in this role, you must be enthusiastic to work with various departments, deliver effective solutions, and willing to learn new technologies and frameworks. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Proposal Manager II or Senior Proposal Manager I level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, write, and edit proposals for programs to develop and implement winning competitive proposal strategies.
• Receive and review all RFPs from Supervisor and/or customers.
• Prepare proposal plan of action assigning tasks to functional departments for proposed inputs.
• Coordinate marketing inputs and present RFP overview to bid/no bid committee.
• Supervise preparation of proposed cost inputs and pricing, presenting cost recommendations to pricing committee for approval.
• Oversee preparation of all proposal volumes including cost, management and technical.
• Work on issues where analysis of situation or data requires review of relevant factors.  Exercise judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action.
• Frequently interacts with supervisors and functional peer groups.  Interaction normally requires the ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedules.
• Act as advisor to unit or sub-units and may become actively involved, as required, to meet schedules and resolve problems.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PROPOSAL MANAGER II:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of relevant proposal management experience

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPOSAL MANAGER I:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of relevant proposal management experience

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Above average attention to detail.
• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write the English language
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to identify problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Proficient in contract disciplines/pricing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary as this position interacts with customers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

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.