Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion

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, Satellite Propulsion

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, 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.

• 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.
• Lead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business.
• 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.

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

Desired Qualifications

• 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
• Personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups
• 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
• 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
• 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

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.