Business Development Director, Spacecraft Separation Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation • Silver Spring, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 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.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, SPACECRAFT SEPARATION SYSTEMS
Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Silver Spring, MD, the Business Development Director, Spacecraft Separation Systems is responsible for managing all business development activities for spacecraft separation systems, including Lightbands, Cubesat dispensers, and separation connectors. You will also support senior leadership and the Business Development organization, with deliverables required for our Board of Directors and investors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry
• Experience in the aerospace/satellite sector
• Experience with launch separation system products development, manufacturing, and/or sales

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
• Specialization in government business development, with deep experience selling to national security and civil space customers
• Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite software products
• Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial and government satellite programs across the full spectrum of mission classes
• Experience and/or deep understanding of satellite mechanical systems engineering
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Must be personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups
• Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects
• Ability to take ownership and action on challenges and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the same
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
• Understanding of satellite hardware products company, working in a hardware production environment for space applications
• Knowledge of typical satellite hardware product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs
• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead Rocket Lab’s spacecraft separation systems business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned Motorized Lightbands (MLB), Advanced Lightbands (ALB), Canisterized Satellite Dispensers (CSD), Payload Hinges, and accessories for the Space Systems division
• Develop and implement sales plans, systems, policies, initiatives, and procedures to manage the sales pipeline and close deals
• Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing team in creating separation system product collateral, marketing material, and strategic communications and the Engineering and Production/Operations teams to ensure adequate plans for low lead-time delivery of separation systems
• Lead research on the latest separation system competitive landscape and market, lead forecasting of separation system sales, determine pricing, and provide support for business development, strategy, and the space systems product and services roadmap
• 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 spacecraft separation systems
• Responsible for forecasting pipeline (non-backlog) element of revenue
• Develop and present bid/no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submission
• Advise on, and help implement, technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elements
• Identify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission and program opportunities
• 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

Benefits

• Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 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, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director