SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 165,000 - 220,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Director of Contracts to lead and mentor a high-performing contracts team at one of its US sites (Long Beach, CA is the primary location, with options in Silver Spring, MD; Denver, CO; or Albuquerque, NM). This role is responsible for ensuring Rocket Lab meets its contractual obligations and performance milestones for government and commercial customers.
Key responsibilities include negotiating government contracts, commercial contracts, NDAs, teaming agreements, and IP licenses. You'll ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions for both prime and subcontracts, serving as the primary customer interface for contractual changes, disputes, and equitable adjustment requests. The role involves assisting with proposal review and preparation for government and commercial solicitations, interpreting contract provisions, and providing legal advice to internal stakeholders.
You'll develop and evolve contract management processes with cross-functional partners, establish relationships with government and commercial customers, and directly manage a small team of contracts professionals at various career stages. This is a leadership position requiring both deep technical expertise in government contracting and strong people management capabilities.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (16+ years total), 12+ years of contract administration or management experience, US citizenship, and the ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance. Preferred qualifications include extensive knowledge of FAR, DFAR, and NASA FAR Supplement; experience managing DoD and NASA prime contracts; RFP analysis and proposal preparation experience; and a proven track record of developing team members.
