Business Development Director, RF Products - Rocket Lab
Long Beach, CA 90801
About the Job
ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTRocket 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
They have their fingers on the pulse of the space industry and are driven to deliver results for our customers and our business.BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, RF PRODUCTSBased out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Business Development Director, RF Products is responsible for managing all business development activities for RF products such as radios
You will also support senior leadership and the Business Development organization, with deliverables required for our Board of Directors and investors.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Lead Rocket Labs RF products business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned software products to meet and exceed sales metrics for the Space Systems division, including radio transceivers, complete RF subsystems, etc.Develop and implement sales plans, systems, policies, initiatives, and procedures to manage the sales pipeline and close dealsCollaborate with the Communications & Marketing team in creating RF product collateral, marketing material, and strategic communications; and the Engineering and Production/Operations teams to ensure adequate plans for low lead-time delivery of RF productsLead research on the RF product competitive landscape and market, lead forecasting of sales, determine pricing, and provide support for business development, strategy, and the space systems product and services roadmapGrow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunitiesCreate new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities/experience to provide RF productsResponsible for forecasting pipeline (non-backlog) element of revenueDevelop and present bid/no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submissionAdvise on, and help implement, technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elementsIdentify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission and program opportunitiesLead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new businessDevelop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholdersRepresent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetingsTravel as needed for business opportunitiesOther duties as assigned or requiredYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industryExperience in the aerospace/satellite sectorExperience with satellite RF products development, manufacturing, and/or salesTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or businessSpecialization in US government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) and civil space customers (NASA, NOAA, etc.)Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite RF productsExtensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial and government satellite programsExperience and/or deep understanding of engineering design or analysis is preferredExperience and knowledge of satellite telecommunications services, hardware, and softwareExperience and knowledge of satellite cryptographic capabilities and requirementsExcellent verbal and written communication and presentation skillsMust be personable and have the ability to interface well with customers, and present to large groupsExperience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projectsAbility to take ownership and action on challenges, and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the sameProficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS ProjectGeneral knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirementsUnderstanding of a manufacturing and engineering company, working in a manufacturing environment in the RF products industry, and RF products for space applicationsKnowledge of typical RF product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costsExperience using customer relationship management (CRM) softwareExperience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposalsAbility to develop cost estimates for build to print and design to specification programsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Frequent domestic and international travel is requiredAvailability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as neededAbility to obtain security clearance if necessarySpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noiseLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role
Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$150,000—$250,000 USDWHAT 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. Important information:FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S
Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S
citizen, lawful U.S
permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S
as a refugee or granted asylum, 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
Learn more about ITAR here.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.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at
Only messages left for this purpose will be considered
A response to your request may take up to two business days.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
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
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTRocket 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
They have their fingers on the pulse of the space industry and are driven to deliver results for our customers and our business.BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, RF PRODUCTSBased out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Business Development Director, RF Products is responsible for managing all business development activities for RF products such as radios
You will also support senior leadership and the Business Development organization, with deliverables required for our Board of Directors and investors.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Lead Rocket Labs RF products business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned software products to meet and exceed sales metrics for the Space Systems division, including radio transceivers, complete RF subsystems, etc.Develop and implement sales plans, systems, policies, initiatives, and procedures to manage the sales pipeline and close dealsCollaborate with the Communications & Marketing team in creating RF product collateral, marketing material, and strategic communications; and the Engineering and Production/Operations teams to ensure adequate plans for low lead-time delivery of RF productsLead research on the RF product competitive landscape and market, lead forecasting of sales, determine pricing, and provide support for business development, strategy, and the space systems product and services roadmapGrow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunitiesCreate new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities/experience to provide RF productsResponsible for forecasting pipeline (non-backlog) element of revenueDevelop and present bid/no-bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submissionAdvise on, and help implement, technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elementsIdentify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission and program opportunitiesLead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new businessDevelop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholdersRepresent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetingsTravel as needed for business opportunitiesOther duties as assigned or requiredYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industryExperience in the aerospace/satellite sectorExperience with satellite RF products development, manufacturing, and/or salesTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or businessSpecialization in US government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) and civil space customers (NASA, NOAA, etc.)Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite RF productsExtensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial and government satellite programsExperience and/or deep understanding of engineering design or analysis is preferredExperience and knowledge of satellite telecommunications services, hardware, and softwareExperience and knowledge of satellite cryptographic capabilities and requirementsExcellent verbal and written communication and presentation skillsMust be personable and have the ability to interface well with customers, and present to large groupsExperience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projectsAbility to take ownership and action on challenges, and step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports to do the sameProficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS ProjectGeneral knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirementsUnderstanding of a manufacturing and engineering company, working in a manufacturing environment in the RF products industry, and RF products for space applicationsKnowledge of typical RF product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costsExperience using customer relationship management (CRM) softwareExperience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposalsAbility to develop cost estimates for build to print and design to specification programsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Frequent domestic and international travel is requiredAvailability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as neededAbility to obtain security clearance if necessarySpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noiseLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role
Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$150,000—$250,000 USDWHAT 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. Important information:FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S
Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S
citizen, lawful U.S
permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S
as a refugee or granted asylum, 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
Learn more about ITAR here.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.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at
g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This
dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interviewOnly messages left for this purpose will be considered
A response to your request may take up to two business days.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Source : Rocket Lab