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Director, European Government Operations

Munich

DIRECTOR – EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

As the Director – European Government Operations, based in Munich/ Berlin, Germany, you will lead Rocket Lab’s government affairs strategy across Germany with targeted engagement in priority European markets as the company’s regional footprint evolves. You will play a critical role in advancing Rocket Lab’s business objectives by shaping policy environments, building strategic government relationships, and ensuring alignment between Government Affairs and Business Development. In this role, you will work at the intersection of aerospace innovation, national security, and European public-sector engagement. To be successful, you must be results‑oriented, proactive, politically astute, and deeply comfortable operating in complex, fast‑moving environments. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space.

 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

  • Develop and lead Rocket Lab’s government affairs strategy in Germany, with targeted engagement in priority European markets as this area of interest develops, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and business development objectives
  • Engage with EU‑level institutions and programs relevant to space and defense, including EDF, EDIP, EUSPA, and the European Defense Agency (EDA), to advance Rocket Lab’s policy and program objectives.
  • Establish and grow Rocket Lab’s presence with government entities and innovation ecosystems in Munich and other strategic European hubs
  • Partner closely with the Business Development team to support market expansion, customer engagement, and pursuit of government‑funded programs
  • Shape Rocket Lab’s positioning in active European policy debates - including launch sovereignty, the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP), dual‑use technology regulation, and the EU Space Program’s procurement frame works.
  • Provide strategic guidance on developments directly relevant to Rocket Lab’s position as a non‑European supplier - including export control regimes (ITAR/EAR), European sovereign capability debates, and evolving defense procurement preferences under the Zeitenwende.
  • Represent Rocket Lab in industry associations, working groups, and public‑sector forums to strengthen the company’s visibility and credibility
  • Drive measurable business outcomes through targeted government engagement not only monitoring policy trends but actively shaping them
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on European political dynamics, defense priorities, and government procurement pathways

 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, economics, engineering, or a related field
  • 12+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, defense, aerospace, or related strategic roles within Germany or Europe
  • Professional fluency in German and English
  • Demonstrated success building and managing relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, and public‑sector institutions
  • Proven ability to drive business‑aligned outcomes through government engagement, not solely policy monitoring
  • Strong understanding of European political structures, defense priorities, civil space programs, and procurement processes - including familiarity with ESA programs, EU space initiatives, and international exploration frameworks such as Artemis.
  • Familiarity with NATO space and defense structures - including NATO DIANA, the NATO Space Centre at Ramstein, and national resilience frameworks under Article 3 obligations.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, set strategy, and execute in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

  • Background in space, aerospace, defense, or dual‑use technology sectors
  • Experience working with or within institutions such as DLR, MOD, Bundestag committees, EU defense bodies, or national innovation agencies
  • Prior roles in business development, defense industrial policy, or public‑sector consulting
  • Experience working in Munich’s government, defense, or technology ecosystem

 

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