ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Rocket Lab’s Business Development team is responsible for connecting customers across government and commercial sectors with our industry leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems. They work closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions to deliver their missions. Building and maintaining relationships with customers and internally with engineering and operations teams is at the core of our Business Development team. They have their fingers on the pulse of the space industry and are driven to deliver results for our customers and our business.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, SATELLITE PROPULSION

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Chantilly, VA, the Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion is responsible for managing all business development activities for propulsion products such as electric propulsion systems and propellant tanks. You will also support senior leadership and the Business Development organization, with deliverables required for our Board of Directors and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Lead Rocket Lab’s propulsion products business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned propulsion products to meet and exceed sales metrics for the Space Systems division, including a range of propulsion tanks, thrusters, and complete propulsion subsystems, etc.
Develop and implement sales plans, systems, policies, initiatives, and procedures to manage the sales pipeline and close deals
Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing team in creating propulsion product collateral, marketing material, and strategic communications; and the Engineering and Production/Operations teams to ensure adequate plans for low lead-time delivery of propulsion products
Lead research on the propulsion product competitive landscape and market, lead forecasting of sales, determine pricing, and provide support for business development, strategy, and the space systems product and services roadmap
Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities
Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities/experience to provide propulsion products
Responsible for forecasting pipeline (non-backlog) element of revenue
Develop and present bid/no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submission
Advise on, and help implement, technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elements
Identify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission and program opportunities
Lead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business
Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders
Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings
Travel as needed for business opportunities
Other duties as assigned or required

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry
Experience in the aerospace/satellite sector
Experience with satellite propulsion products development, manufacturing, and/or sales

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite propulsion products
Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial and government satellite programs
Experience and/or deep understanding of engineering design or analysis is preferred
Experience and knowledge of mission design/trajectory capabilities and requirements
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
Must be personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups
Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
Ability to take ownership and action on challenges, and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the same
Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
Understanding of a manufacturing and engineering company, working in a manufacturing environment in the propulsion products industry, and propulsion products for space applications
Knowledge of typical propulsion product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs
Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software
Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
Ability to develop cost estimates for build to print and design to specification programs
Ability to obtain security clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequent domestic and international travel is required
Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.