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Salary: USD 213,000 - 320,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Director of Business Development to lead growth initiatives in the satellite market, with a focus on civil and commercial opportunities including government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation companies, and technology firms.
In this role based in Chantilly, VA, you will drive business development strategy and execution across the civil and commercial satellite sector. You will identify and engage potential clients, develop strategic partnerships, and lead efforts to secure large contracts that expand market share in this rapidly growing industry.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil and commercial applications
- Developing and executing capture strategies for securing large commercial or civil space contracts
- Engaging with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab's solutions align with evolving needs
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements
- Monitoring industry trends and competitor activities to inform business development strategies
- Growing existing business opportunities and nurturing relationships with current customers to develop additional revenue streams
- Creating new business opportunities by presenting Rocket Lab's capabilities and satellite solutions, including bus offerings and complete satellites
- Leading and/or participating in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content
- Developing strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration
- Representing Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings
- Supporting frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) for business opportunities
Rocket Lab's Business Development team connects customers across government and commercial sectors with industry-leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems. The team works closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions, building and maintaining relationships with customers and internal engineering and operations teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline (required)
- 15+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector (required)
- In-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape (required)
- Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry (required)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (required)
- Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) (required)
Desirable 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 using customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes
- Ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
Note: This position requires ITAR compliance. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce.
