Director, Corporate Development

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.

Director, Corporate Development

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Corporate Development will play a key role in driving the strategic direction and execution of the company by evaluating and executing key inorganic growth opportunities, including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and investments. You will partner with senior leaders and internal stakeholders to manage a strategic planning process encompassing market analyses, strategy formulations, make vs.

buy analyses, competitive dynamics, and the inorganic pipeline and roadmap. You will play a significant role in building and driving a world‑class, end-to-end deal process, including strategic thesis development, valuation analysis, due diligence, cross-functional project management, negotiation support, and integration planning / execution.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop strategic theses, market analyses, financial models, and valuations to evaluate and recommend potential transactions

• Manage a strategic planning capability to analyze and prioritize the opportunities supporting the company’s strategic vision

• Lead post-close integration planning and execution with a focus on realizing full strategic and financial value

• Lead cross-functional deal due diligence with a focus on identifying, mitigating, and/or capturing risks and opportunities

• Partner with senior leaders to tackle complex strategic questions and distill findings to build clear and succinct business cases to facilitate decision-making by executive leadership and the Board of Directors

• Partner with key internal and external resources to monitor industry trends, key competitors, and emerging technologies

YOU’LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Management Consulting

• Aerospace, startup, or tech industry experience.

• Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects with multiple work streams, internal/external stakeholders, and tight schedules

• Demonstrated research and analytical skills with a strong ability to distill complex problems, variables, and data into clear insights and recommendations

• Experience challenging assumptions and influencing decision-making processes

• Experience building collaborative partnerships with general management and cross-functional leaders

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or other advanced degree

• 3+ years of Corporate Development experience inside a company

• Experience leading and/or participating in a variety of complex negotiations, deal structures, and underlying deal work streams

• Strong attention-to-detail with a focus on proactivity and efficiency

• A self-starter with the ability to work autonomously to drive projects to completion

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours

• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance…