Business Development Director, Optical Systems - TS/SCI Clearance

Business Development Director, Optical Systems – TS/SCI Clearance

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Business Development Director, Optical Systems is the primary interface between laser communications and optical payload customers and the engineering, production, and management teams.

Responsibilities

• 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 and in-forecast pipeline breakout.
• Maintain and improve customer‑facing technical documentation, working with the Engineering team to address any technical gaps.
• Support the Business Development team by generating quotes, export license applications, and following up on pending items.
• Collaborate with Communications on campaigns and manage marketing material or other business 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 BD resource efficiency.
• Provide guidance and support to capture teams on technical, pricing, and contractual issues.
• Lead writing efforts for responses to BAAs, RFIs, and RFPs.
• Ensure development and delivery of high‑quality bid products and artifacts.
• Support travel to trade shows, conferences, and business sites, as needed.

Qualifications

• 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 with SCI and SAP/SAR programs.
• Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working for or at the National Reconnaissance Office, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, and/or Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
• Business development experience selling to U.S. national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) and U.S. Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, etc.) agencies.
• Experience with design, manufacture, and/or test of optical payload and laser communications.
• Experience with space product lines that align R&D investment, technology/product roadmaps, and future opportunities.
• Highly organized and able to solve problems independently, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skillsets and expertise.
• Ability to communicate complex issues in a digestible manner for customers, staff, and executives.
• Excellent 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.
• Ability to take ownership and action on challenges and manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the same.
• Proficient with customer‑relationship‑management software.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance‑management principles.
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering field (electrical, mechanical, computer science, etc.).

Compensation

Base Pay Range (CA Only) $180,000—$250,000USD. Salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the applicant’s education, experience, and job‑related knowledge and skills. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package.

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO and PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3weeks paid vacation and 5days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability insurance and life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food, and drinks.
• Other discounts and perks.

Physical Demands

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at