Business Development Director, Satellites - TS/SCI Clearance

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Comprehensive medical insurance

3 weeks paid vacation

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Business Development Director, Satellites based in Long Beach, CA. This role focuses on driving growth in the satellite market with an emphasis on national security opportunities.

The successful candidate will lead business development initiatives, engage with clients, and secure contracts in this rapidly growing sector. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in engineering and over 12 years of aerospace experience along with an active TS/SCI clearance.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $180,000 – $250,000, benefits, and opportunities for travel.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Proven track record of securing large contracts and managing strategic relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications.
• Develop and execute capture strategies for securing contracts.
• Engage with key customer stakeholders to ensure alignment.

Skills

Business development

Strategic partnerships

Client engagement

Government contracting knowledge

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Suite products

CRM software

Job description

Business Development Director, Satellites - TS/SCI Clearance

Long Beach, CA

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

Rocket Lab’s Business Development team connects 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.

Business Development Director, Satellites – TS/SCI Clearance

Based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Business Development Director, Satellites will drive Rocket Lab’s growth in the satellite market, primarily focused on national security opportunities. The role involves identifying and engaging potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts that expand our market share in this rapidly growing sector.

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

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
• 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

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
• Specialization in US government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) or US 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 US 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

Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $180,000 – $250,000 USD. Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive rewards package that may include company equity, a robust medical HMO/PPO and 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 sick days, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional discounts.

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.