Strategic BD Director, Optical Systems (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab Corp.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Chantilly, VA, seeks a Business Development Director for Optical Systems with TS/SCI clearance. You will be the primary interface between laser communications and optical payloads, leading proposals, managing customer relationships, and coordinating with engineering and production teams.

The role requires 12+ years in aerospace BD or program management, a technical degree, willingness to travel up to 50%, and experience with SCI/SAP/SAR programs.

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.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience working SCI and SAP/SAR programs.
• Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%).

Responsibilities

• Provide timely responses to customer technical inquiries regarding Rocket Lab Optical Systems and Mynaric products.
• Draft proposals for new business opportunities, including Compliance Matrices to customer requirements.
• Develop and manage relationships with customers and partners to drive partnerships and new business.
• Use Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals and generate KPIs.
• Monitor sales performance and forecast demand product-by-product.
• Maintain and improve customer-facing technical documentation with Engineering.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Travel availability

CRM experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical discipline

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Rocket Lab in Chantilly, VA, seeks a Business Development Director for Optical Systems with TS/SCI clearance. You will be the primary interface between laser communications and optical payloads, leading proposals, managing customer relationships, and coordinating with engineering and production teams.

The role requires 12+ years in aerospace BD or program management, a technical degree, willingness to travel up to 50%, and experience with SCI/SAP/SAR programs.