Business Development Director, Optical Systems - TS​/SCI Clearance

Business Development Director, Optical Systems – TS/SCI Clearance

Location:

Chantilly, VA

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our mission to open access to space supports scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

• Provide timely responses to all customer technical inquiries regarding Rocket Lab Optical Systems (RLOS) and Mynaric products.
• Draft proposals for new business opportunities, including Compliance Matrices to meet customer technical, programmatic, and product assurance requirements.
• Develop and manage relationships with customers, teaming partners, and industry associations to drive partnerships and new business.
• Use internal tools such as Salesforce to track leads, opportunities, and proposals, and generate related KPIs.
• Monitor sales performance and generate forecasted demand on a product‑by‑product basis.
• Track pipeline trends and fluctuations with total pipeline and in‑forecast pipeline breakouts.
• Maintain and improve customer‑facing technical documentation, working with Engineering to address any technical gaps.
• Support the Business Development team by generating quotes and export license applications, following up on pending items.
• Collaborate with Communications throughout campaigns and manage marketing material or other unit collaterals.
• Remain current on the latest satellite competitive landscape, customer demand, and market trends to support sales forecasting, pricing strategy, business plans and product development roadmap.
• Monitor, research, and analyze competitive landscape to create competitive advantages.
• Develop and manage bid and proposal budgets to maximize the efficiency of BD resources.
• Provide guidance and support to capture teams on technical, pricing, and contractual issues.
• Lead writing efforts for responses to BAAs, RFIs, and RFPs.
• Ensure the development and delivery of high‑quality bid products and artifacts.
• Support travel to trade shows, conferences and business sites, as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector.
• Experience working or selling in the national security space sector.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience working SCI and SAP/SAR programs.
• Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%).

• Experience with or at the National Reconnaissance Office, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, or Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
• Business development experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) and US civil space (NASA, NOAA, etc.) agencies.
• Experience with design, manufacture, and/or test of optical payloads and laser communications.
• Experience with space product lines that align R&D investment, technology/product roadmaps, and future opportunities.
• Highly organized, problem‑solving, and detail‑oriented.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse team members.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Sales management experience and familiarity with diverse business functions such as sales, marketing, public relations, finance, and operations.
• Extensive awareness of current commercial and government satellite programs.
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams on fast‑paced projects.
• Ownership and action orientation, handling challenges and encouraging colleagues.
• Proficiency with customer relationship management software.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles.
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field.

Base Pay Range (VA Only): $180,000 – $250,000 USD.

Compensation also includes company stock or cash incentives, a stock purchase program, medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, and additional benefits.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibiting discrimination against any protected class. Rocket Lab complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding hiring and employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise eligible for the required authorizations under ITAR.