Business Development Director - Propulsion Products

Rocket Lab•Auckland, E7 1010, NZ• Full Time

Posted 1 hour ago• Mechanical

Job Description

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.

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Rocket Lab’s Business Development team is at the forefront of connecting government and commercial customers with our industry‑leading launch and space systems. They’re the people who understand customer missions inside out, shape tailored solutions and build the relationships that power our success. With deep industry insight and a drive to deliver, they keep Rocket Lab aligned with the fast-moving space landscape and focused on results.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex, the Business Development Director, Propulsion leads all commercial activities for our propulsion product lines, from electric propulsion systems to propellant tanks. In this role, you’ll shape strategy, grow market presence, and support senior leadership with key deliverables for our Board of Directors and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Drive sales and market expansion for Rocket Lab’s propulsion products, delivering and exceeding Space Systems’ commercial targets across tanks, thrusters, and full propulsion solutions.
Lead market and competitive analysis, pricing strategy, and sales forecasting to guide propulsion business development and inform product and services roadmaps.
Grow existing accounts and generate new opportunities by presenting Rocket Lab’s propulsion capabilities and building strong customer relationships.
Own revenue pipeline forecasting and drive bid/no‑bid decisions, managing end‑to‑end proposal planning and submission.

You may have progressed through an engineering pathway with exposure to bids, proposals, and customer interaction, and are now looking to move fully into business development. You’re ambitious and mission‑driven, and you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, creating new opportunities and helping guide Rocket Lab toward continued market dominance.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
12+ years’ experience in aerospace/defense industries, working closely with contractors.
Strong background in satellite and propulsion products, including development, manufacturing, mission design, and customer requirements.
Broad awareness of commercial and government satellite programs, industry technical and quality standards, and manufacturing environments.
Skilled in proposal development, writing, capture processes, and independently producing cost and technical proposals.
Comfortable with frequent travel to support customer meetings, industry events and commercial opportunities.

This is an incredible opportunity to make your mark on our propulsion product lines and play a key role in shaping the future of space technology. If this sounds like you, apply now!

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.

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 Johnson at [email protected].This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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.