Director, Regulatory Operations
Listed on 2026-02-24
-
Energy/Power Generation
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
About Rocket Lab
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.
About Rocket Lab
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, REGULATORY OPERATIONS
Rocket Lab is currently seeking a Director of Regulatory Operations who will lead the coordination and execution of regulatory strategy across Rocket Lab. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, legal, government relations, and business leadership, ensuring regulatory pathways are clear, risks are managed, and approvals progress efficiently from concept through deployment. The Director will be responsible for enabling and supporting filings by partnering closely with internal technical experts, legal counsel, and external advisors—removing blockers between submission and approval.
This role also serves as a key relationship builder with U.S. and international regulatory bodies and industry organizations, while keeping the business informed of regulatory and policy developments that may impact operations or growth.
What You’ll Get To Do
- Lead and coordinate regulatory operations across applicable regimes (e.g., FCC, NOAA, DOC, State, USCG, ITU, FAA, PHMSA and other domestic or international authorities).
- Identify and eliminate blockers between regulatory filing and approval.
- Partner with engineering, legal, and other functions to support regulatory filings and approvals, ensuring technical, legal, and operational alignment.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with both working-level staff and senior leadership at relevant regulatory agencies.
- Assist subject matter experts and attorneys in the preparation of regulatory submissions by managing inputs, timelines, risk areas, and approval dependencies.
- Represent the company in regulatory and industry forums, including trade associations, standards bodies, and policy working groups.
- Lead regulatory engagement with relevant trade organizations to advance company and industry objectives.
- Advise internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and operational risk.
- Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and policy; proactively assess impacts to business operations and strategic initiatives.
- Develop internal regulatory processes, tracking mechanisms, and governance structures to support compliance and operational efficiency.
- Brief executive leadership on regulatory risks, timelines, and emerging policy issues as needed.
- Bachelor’s degree +12 years of experience in regulatory affairs, regulatory operations, compliance, or government-facing roles within aerospace, space, aviation, telecommunications, or a similarly regulated industry.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with U.S. government regulators (e.g., FCC, DOC, State, USCG, FAA) and/or international…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).