Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion

Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion

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 – all with the goal of opening access to 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, climate‑change countermeasures, national security, and innovative 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. We continue to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle, and our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Business development at Rocket Lab connects customers across government and commercial sectors with our industry‑leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems. The team works closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions that deliver missions. Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and with internal engineering and operations teams is core to the role.

The Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion is responsible for managing all business development activities for propulsion products such as electric propulsion systems and propellant tanks. The Director also supports senior leadership and delivers required information to the Board of Directors and investors.

• Lead profitability and growth for Rocket Lab’s propulsion product portfolio, generating and executing sales of propulsion tanks, thrusters, and complete subsystems that exceed sales metrics 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 Communications & Marketing to create product collateral and marketing material, and with Engineering and Production/Operations to ensure plans for low‑lead‑time delivery of propulsion products.
• Conduct market research on the propulsion product competitive landscape, forecast sales, determine pricing, and support business development, strategy, and the space systems product roadmap.
• Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with current customers to develop additional opportunities.
• Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities and experience.
• Forecast the forward‑looking pipeline and revenue for non‑backlogged items.
• Develop and present bid/no‑bid strategies, managing proposal planning, preparation, and submission.
• Advise on and help implement technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and aligned space systems elements.
• Identify and solve for RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other integrators for new and continuing mission opportunities.
• Lead or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and content for new business.
• Develop strong relationships across all business levels to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, coordinating with stakeholders.
• Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings.
• Travel as needed for business opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Experience in the aerospace/satellite sector.
• Experience with satellite propulsion product development, manufacturing, and/or sales.

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, related engineering field, or business.
• Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management, and/or engineering of satellite propulsion products.
• Extensive awareness of current…