Strategic BD Director, Optical Systems (TS/SCI)

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 257,000 - 405,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Director-level Business Development professional for Optical Systems with TS/SCI clearance. You will interface between laser communications and engineering to drive proposals, customer relationships, and bid responses.

The role demands 12+ years in aerospace BD or systems engineering, frequent travel (up to 50%), and experience with SCI and SAP/SAR programs. Total compensation reflects base and equity, with extensive responsibilities across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical discipline.
• 12+ years in business development, program management, or systems engineering in aerospace.
• Active TS/SCI clearance; experience with SCI and SAP/SAR programs.
• Ability to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely responses to customer inquiries regarding Optical Systems and Mynaric products.
• Draft proposals and compliance matrices for technical, programmatic, and product assurance requirements.
• Develop relationships with customers, partners, and industry groups to drive opportunities.
• Use Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, proposals, and KPIs.
• Monitor sales performance and forecast demand on a product basis.
• Maintain and improve customer-facing technical documentation with Engineering.
• Support quotes, export license applications, and follow up on items.
• Collaborate with Communications on campaigns and collateral.
• Stay current on satellite market trends to support pricing and roadmaps.
• Lead bid/proposal budgets and support capture teams on technical and contractual issues.

Skills

Written and verbal communications

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Sales leadership

Capture strategy

Proposal development

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical discipline

Master’s in aerospace or related engineering

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Director-level Business Development professional for Optical Systems with TS/SCI clearance. You will interface between laser communications and engineering to drive proposals, customer relationships, and bid responses.

The role demands 12+ years in aerospace BD or systems engineering, frequent travel (up to 50%), and experience with SCI and SAP/SAR programs. Total compensation reflects base and equity, with extensive responsibilities across teams.