Business Development Manager, Defense Segment - TS/SCI Clearance with Security Clearance

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Job description

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. 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 MANAGER, SATELLITES - DEFENSE SEGMENT (TS/SCI CLEARANCE) Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Business Development Manager, Satellites - Defense Segment, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to expand Rocket Lab's satellite offerings within the defense sector. You will lead the charge in identifying new business opportunities, crafting strategic capture plans, and securing major contracts that enhance our presence in the national security market. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications in coordination with the Director of Business Development - Satellites
Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractors
Engage with key defense stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab's solutions align with their evolving needs
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business Monitor defense industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies 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 satellite solutions - including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements 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
8+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
In-depth knowledge of defense acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscape
Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the defense industry
Active TS/SCI security clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business Specialization in US government business development, with deep experience selling to US national security (Space Force, NRO, SDA, etc.) Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms Extensive awareness of current/ongoing US Government national security satellite programs Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically disperse teams on fast-paced projects 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 Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts. Mostly domestic travel with some international travel required as well
Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed
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

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