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Rocket Lab is seeking a Business Development Director for Optical Systems to serve as the primary interface between laser communications and optical payload customers and internal engineering, production, and management teams. Based in Littleton, CO, you will report to the Senior Director of Business Development, Optical Systems.
Key responsibilities include responding to customer technical inquiries about Rocket Lab Optical Systems and Mynaric products; drafting proposals with compliance matrices for new business opportunities; developing and managing customer, partner, and industry association relationships; using Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals; monitoring sales performance and forecasting demand by product; tracking pipeline trends; 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; managing bid and proposal budgets; providing guidance to capture teams on technical, pricing, and contractual issues; leading RFP/RFI/BAA response writing; ensuring high-quality bid deliverables; and supporting travel to trade shows and business sites (up to 50%).
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline; 12+ years in business development, program management, or systems engineering in aerospace; experience in national security space sector; active TS/SCI security clearance; experience with SCI and SAP/SAR programs; ability to support frequent domestic and international travel.
Desirable qualifications include prior experience at NRO, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, or Space Rapid Capabilities Office; deep BD experience selling to US national security agencies (Space Force, NRO, SDA) and civil space (NASA, NOAA); experience with optical payload and laser communications design, manufacture, or test; experience aligning R&D investment with product roadmaps; strong organizational and problem-solving skills; and ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
