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Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. As Senior Director of Business Development for Civil & Commercial, you will be based in Tucson, AZ and drive growth in the satellite market, focusing on civil and commercial opportunities including government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation companies, and technology firms.
You will lead business development initiatives across the full lifecycle: identifying and engaging potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and securing contracts that expand market share. Key responsibilities include developing and executing capture strategies for large commercial or civil space contracts; building and maintaining long-term relationships with key customer stakeholders; collaborating with cross-functional teams to prepare compelling proposals; monitoring industry trends and competitor activities; growing existing business and nurturing customer relationships for additional opportunities; creating new business opportunities by presenting Rocket Lab's satellite solutions (bus offerings and complete satellites); leading proposal activities including technical, management, cost, and schedule content; developing strong relationships across the organization; representing Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings; and supporting frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%).
The role requires deep expertise in aerospace business development, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape. You will work closely with engineering and operations teams internally and manage relationships across government and commercial sectors.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 15+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
- In-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape
- Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%)
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field, or business
- Specialization in civil and commercial business development
- Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management, and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms
- Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial space satellite programs
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
- General knowledge of industry-specific technical and quality requirements
- Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Experience with proposal development, writing, and capture processes; ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
- Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content
