SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rocket Lab is seeking a Business Development Director for Optical Systems based in Tucson, AZ. This role serves as the primary interface between laser communications and optical payload customers and Rocket Lab's engineering, production, and management teams. You will report to the Senior Director of Business Development, Optical Systems.
Key responsibilities include providing timely technical responses to customer inquiries regarding Rocket Lab Optical Systems (RLOS) and Mynaric products; drafting proposals for new business opportunities with compliance matrices aligned to customer requirements; developing and managing relationships with customers, teaming partners, and industry associations; using Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals while generating KPIs; monitoring sales performance and forecasted demand by product; tracking pipeline trends and fluctuations; maintaining customer-facing technical documentation in collaboration with engineering; supporting the BD team with quotes and export license applications; collaborating with communications on campaigns and marketing materials; staying current on satellite competitive landscape and market trends; analyzing competitive landscape to create advantages; developing and managing bid and proposal budgets; providing guidance to capture teams on technical, pricing, and contractual issues; leading writing efforts for BAAs, RFIs, and RFPs; ensuring high-quality bid products and artifacts; and supporting travel to trade shows, conferences, and business sites as needed.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline; 12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within aerospace; experience working or selling in the national security space sector; an active TS/SCI security clearance; experience with SCI and SAP/SAR programs; and ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%).
Desirable qualifications include previous experience with the National Reconnaissance Office, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, or Space Rapid Capabilities Office; deep business development experience selling to US national security agencies (Space Force, NRO, SDA) and US Civil Space (NASA, NOAA); experience with design, manufacture, and test of optical payload and laser communications; experience aligning R&D investment with technology/product roadmaps; strong organizational skills and problem-solving ability; and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
