Business Development Director, Optical Systems - TS/SCI Clearance

About The Role

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 to 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.

Business Development Director, Optical Systems - TS/SCI Clearance

• Based at: Rocket Lab's site in Chantilly, VA
• Primary Responsibilities:
• Provide timely responses to all customer technical inquiries regarding Rocket Lab Optical Systems (RLOS) and Mynaric products.
• Draft proposals for new business opportunities, including Compliance Matrices to customer technical, programmatic, and product assurance requirements.
• Develop and manage relationships with customers, teaming partners, and industry associations to drive partnerships and new business.
• Use Rocket Lab internal tools such as Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals, and generate related KPIs.
• Maintain and improve customer-facing technical documentation, and work with the Engineering team to address any technical gaps.
• Support the Business Development team by generating quotes and export license applications, and follow up on pending items.
• Collaborate with the Communications team throughout communications campaigns and manage marketing material or other business unit collaterals.
• Monitor sales performance and generate forecasted demand on a product-by-product basis.
• Track the pipeline trend/fluctuations with total pipeline and in-forecast pipeline breakout.
• Monitor, research, and analyze competitive landscape to create competitive advantages.
• Develop and manage bid and proposal budgets to maximize the efficiency of BD resources.
• Provide guidance and support to capture teams on technical, pricing, and contractual issues.
• Lead writing efforts for various portions of responses to BAAs, RFIs, and RFPs.
• Ensure development and delivery of high-quality bid products and artifacts.
• Support travel to trade shows, conferences and business sites, as needed.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector.
• Experience working or selling in the national security space sector.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience working SCI and SAP/SAR programs.
• Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Previous experience working for or at the National Reconnaissance Office, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, and/or Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
• Business development experience, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) and US Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, etc.)
• Experience with design, manufacture, and/or test of optical payload and laser communications.
• Experience with space product lines that align R&D investment, technology/product roadmaps, and future opportunities.
• Highly organized and able to solve problems independently, with strong attention to detail.
• Able to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skillsets and expertise.
• Able to communicate complex issues in a digestible manner for customers, staff, and executives.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Sales management experience and familiarity with diverse business functions such as sales, marketing, public relations, finance, and operations.
• Extensive awareness of current commercial and government satellite programs.
• Experience working with dynamic, geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects.
• Able to take ownership and action on challenges and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the same.
• Practiced with the use of customer relationship management software.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles.
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field (electrical, mechanical, computer science, etc.).

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (VA Only): $180,000—$250,000 USD