Business Development Lead/Manager, Launch

About The Role

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 LEAD/MANAGER, LAUNCH

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Business Development Lead/Manager is responsible for capturing government revenue (business development and sales) to enable Rocket Lab’s sustained operations and growth as a company. As the Business Development Lead/Manager, you will support the management and expansion of key government customer accounts including Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, and Dedicated, Primary Rideshare and Rideshare launch services.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Business Development Lead or Manager level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and execute proposal plans, including analyzing RFPs, creating outlines, and building compliance matrices
• Responsible for executing US Government Launch Services strategy, business development and sales
• Support proposal development and coordinate mission performance requirements with technical teams
• Execute winning strategies to rapidly grow new Government business
• Utilize professional network, business development techniques, and product knowledge to market launch services on the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles and mission services
• Work with the marketing team to formulate strategy for aerospace industry conferences and networking events
• Identify and capture new US Government customer accounts
• Maintain up to date government satellite and launch market analysis to keep senior leadership and technical teams abreast of trends & services
• Host important customers during strategic company events, launches and press announcements

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business discipline
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 5+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
• Familiarity with proposal development and business capture
• Understanding of global government space markets
• Ability to travel up to 60% (domestic and international)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business discipline
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
• Familiarity with proposal development and business capture
• Understanding of global government space markets
• Ability to travel up to 60% (domestic and international)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field
• Progressively higher levels of leadership/management experience
• Strategic business planning, business development (proposal and capture), and sales experience in aerospace or high-tech industry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$105,000—$180,000 USD

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 [email protected] 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.