Business Development Director, Optical Systems - TS/SCI Clearance
Rocket Lab Corporation
Salary undisclosed
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Description
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 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.
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, OPTICAL SYSTEMS – TS/SCI CLEARANCE
Based at Rocket Lab's site in Tucson, AZ, the Business Development Director, Optical Systems is the primary interface between laser communications and optical payload customers and the engineering, production, and management teams. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Business Development, Optical Systems, and your primary responsibilities will include:
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remain current on the latest satellite competitive landscape, customer demand, and market trends to support sales forecasting, pricing strategy, business plans and product development roadmap.
- 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.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skillsets and expertise.
- Ability 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
About this role
Rocket Lab's Tucson site is seeking a Business Development Director to lead optical systems sales into the national security and civil space markets. You'll be the primary customer contact for laser communications and optical payloads, managing relationships from initial inquiry through proposal and delivery. The role bridges customer needs with Rocket Lab's engineering and production teams, requiring you to draft technical proposals, track pipeline and forecasts in Salesforce, monitor competitive landscape, and guide capture teams through complex bid processes.
This position demands deep aerospace business development experience—at least 12 years—combined with an active TS/SCI clearance and proven success selling to defense and intelligence agencies. You'll need a technical background (engineering degree minimum) and hands-on familiarity with national security space programs, ideally including prior work with NRO, Air Force, or similar organizations. The role involves frequent domestic and international travel, up to 50%, to support customer meetings and industry events.
If you've built relationships across Space Force, NRO, and NASA accounts while managing optical or satellite product lines, and you're comfortable operating in classified environments and fast-paced capture settings, this role offers direct influence over Rocket Lab's growth in a core market segment. The position requires strong communication skills to translate technical complexity for both customers and executives, plus the independence to manage competing priorities and solve problems on the fly.
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