Business Development Director, Spacecraft Separation Systems

Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented. SPACE SYSTEMS This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar. Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. We are also an exclusive manufacturing partner for advanced radio technology licensed from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, SPACECRAFT SEPARATION SYSTEMS Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Silver Spring, Maryland, 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. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 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 at PSC by Rocket Lab Represent PSC by 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 (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered): Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline 10+ 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 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master’s degree 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 have the ability 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 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Frequent domestic and international travel is required Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed Ability to obtain security clearance if necessary Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State. 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. 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 here  ITAR Regulations.