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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 at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will report to the Senior Director of Business Development, Optical Systems.
Key responsibilities include: responding to customer technical inquiries regarding Rocket Lab Optical Systems (RLOS) and Mynaric products; drafting proposals for new business opportunities with compliance matrices; developing and managing relationships with customers, teaming partners, and industry associations; using Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals; monitoring sales performance and generating product-by-product demand forecasts; tracking pipeline trends with total and in-forecast breakouts; 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: Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline; 12+ years in business development, program management, or systems engineering in aerospace; experience working or selling 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 (up to 50%).
Desirable qualifications include previous experience at NRO, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, or Space Rapid Capabilities Office; BD 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 with diverse teams.
