Business Development Lead, Separation Systems Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

Business Development Lead, Separation Systems

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.

Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future.

Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

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Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Rocket Lab’s Business Development team is responsible for connecting customers across government and commercial sectors with our industry leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems.

They work closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions to deliver their missions.

Building and maintaining relationships with customers and internally with engineering and operations teams is at the core of our Business Development team.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD, SPACECRAFT SEPARATION SYSTEMS

Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Business Development Lead, Spacecraft Separation Systems is responsible for managing all business development activities for spacecraft separation systems, including Lightbands, Cubesat dispensers, and separation connectors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO :

• Lead Rocket Lab’s spacecraft separation systems business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned Motorized Lightbands (MLB), Advanced Lightbands (ALB), Canisterized Satellite Dispensers (CSD), Payload Hinges, and accessories 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 the Communications & Marketing team in creating separation system product collateral, marketing material, and strategic communications and the Engineering and Production / Operations teams to ensure adequate plans for low lead-time delivery of separation systems.
• Lead research on the latest separation system competitive landscape and market, lead forecasting of separation system sales, determine pricing, and provide support for business development, strategy, and the space systems product and services roadmap.
• Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities.
• Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities / experience to provide spacecraft separation systems.
• Responsible for forecasting pipeline (non-backlog) element of revenue.
• Develop and present bid / no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submission.
• Advise on, and help implement, technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elements.
• Identify and obtain RFPs from aerospace / satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission and program opportunities.
• Lead and / or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business.
• Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders.
• Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings.
• Travel as needed for business opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Experience in the aerospace / satellite sector.
• Experience with launch separation system products development, manufacturing, and / or sales.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business.
• Specialization in government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.

and civil space customers (NASA, NOAA, etc.).

• Extensive awareness of current / ongoing commercial and government satellite programs.
• Experience and / or deep understanding of engineering design or analysis is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Must be personable and able to interface well with customers, and present to large groups.
• Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects.
• Ability to take ownership and action on challenges and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the same.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project.
• General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements.
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals.
• Ability to develop cost estimates for build to print and design to specification programs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Frequent domestic and international travel is required.
• Availability outside of normal business hours and / or weekends as needed.
• Ability to obtain security clearance if necessary.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible.

Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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