Business Development Manager, Satellites - Civil Space Segment

Business Development Manager, Satellites - Civil Space Segment Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
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 MANAGER, SATELLITES – CIVIL SPACE SEGMENT
Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Washington, D.C.,the Business Development Manager, Satellites – Civil Space Segment, you will lead Rocket Lab's efforts to secure contracts for satellite missions with government civil space agencies, research institutions, and international organizations. Your focus will be on building strategic relationships, managing the proposal process, and ensuring that Rocket Lab's satellite systems are the preferred choice for civil space missions.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil space missions, including scientific research and environmental monitoring
Develop and execute capture plans for securing contracts with government space agencies such as NASA and ESA, as well as international research institutions
Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in the civil space sector, ensuring that Rocket Lab's offerings meet their evolving needs
Collaborate with internal teams to prepare and deliver competitive proposals that align with mission requirements and win new business
Monitor trends in space exploration and research to identify new opportunities and inform long-term business strategies
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business
Monitor civil space 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/platform 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
8+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the civil space or aerospace sector
Strong understanding of space mission requirements, government contracting, and the international space landscape
In-depth knowledge of government acquisition processes, government contracting, and the civil space landscape
Proven track record of securing large (>$10M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the civil space industry
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
Specialization in civil space and/or international space business development, with deep experience selling to US Government civil space agencies (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 civil space satellite programs
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse 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:
Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts. Both domestic and international travel as required
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
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, childcare concierge, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Base Pay Range (D.C. Only)
$90,000 — $160,000 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.
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 Biow at ******** . 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 hereITAR Regulations.

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