Business Development Director, Satellites - TS/SCI Clearance

Rocket Lab; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Littleton, CO, is hiring a Business Development Director to lead satellite solutions development for defense. This role involves engaging with key stakeholders and developing capture strategies to secure large contracts. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and over 12 years of relevant experience, including active TS/SCI clearance.

The position also requires excellent communication skills and significant travel. Rocket Lab offers a competitive salary range of $180,000 to $240,000, along with comprehensive benefits including stock options, medical coverage, and paid leave.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within aerospace.
• In-depth knowledge of government acquisition processes and contracting.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development for satellite solutions for defense applications.
• Develop strategies to secure large defense contracts.
• Engage with key stakeholders to maintain long-term relationships.

Skills

Business Development

Contract Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Aerospace Knowledge

Proposal Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical discipline

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or business

Tools

Microsoft Suite

CRM software

Job description

Business Development Director, Satellites – TS/SCI Clearance

Littleton, CO

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.

What You'll Get to Do

• Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications
• Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense or civil space contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractors
• Engage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long‑term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab’s solutions align with their evolving needs
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies
• 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 satellite solutions – including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements
• 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

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
• In‑depth knowledge of government acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscape
• Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
• Specialization in U.S. government business development, with deep experience selling to U.S. national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) or U.S. Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, etc.)
• Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms
• Extensive awareness of current/ongoing U.S. Government national security or civil space satellite programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast‑paced projects
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
• General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
• 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
• Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses

Additional Requirements

• 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

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 (CO Only)

$180,000 - $240,000 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.