ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 DIRECTOR, NATIONAL SECURITY – TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Business Development Director you will drive Rocket Lab’s growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on national security opportunities. Your role will involve identifying and engaging with potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts that expand our market share in this rapidly growing sector.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for defense applications
Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large defense or civil space contracts, including those with government agencies and prime contractors
Engage with key customer 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 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
12+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
In-depth knowledge of government acquisition processes, government contracting, and the national security landscape
Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts

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.) or US Civil Space (NASA, NOAA, 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 or civil space satellite programs
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed 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

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

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level 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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$320,000—$405,000 USD

Base Salary

$187,000—$280,000 USD

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity) 320000 - 405000 USD
Base Salary 187000 - 280000 USD

About the company

Rocket Lab builds and launches rockets, designs satellites and sells spacecraft components for commercial operators, governments and defense customers. Its Electron rocket carries small satellites on dedicated missions, while its Space Systems business supplies complete spacecraft and the hardware and software needed to operate them. Customers pay for launch services, satellite development, component sales and mission support, giving the group business beyond sending its own rockets into space. The company is developing Neutron, a larger reusable rocket intended for constellation deployment and other heavier missions. Rocket Lab's operating business began in 2006 and the group is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Sales are expanding: Rocket Lab reported $234 million quarterly revenue, up 62%, in August 2026.
Launch demand extends across years: Synspective signed for 20 additional Electron missions in September 2026.
US stock ownership starts discounted: Rocket Lab's Pasadena robotics listing advertises a 15% employee stock purchase discount.

What critics are saying

Sales growth still leaves losses: Rocket Lab reported a $49.3 million quarterly net loss in August 2026.
Employee ownership faces dilution: Rocket Lab completed a 29.3-million-share sale for acquisition financing in September 2026.
Expect deadline pressure in Pasadena: Rocket Lab's robotics listing says staff work under pressure and tight deadlines.

What makes Rocket Lab Corporation unique

Electron uses an unusual engine design: Rutherford pairs electric pumps with 3D-printed propulsion hardware.
Satellite placement extends beyond one orbit: Electron's Kick Stage supports deployment across multiple planes and inclinations.
Rocket Lab also tests hypersonic technology: HASTE adapts Electron with a modified stage for suborbital payload release.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Flexible Spending Account

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

-1%

Yahoo Finance

Oct 13th, 2026

Rocket Lab ($39.3B) is a buy; Titan International and Generac are industrials stocks to avoid

StockStory named one industrials stock to buy and two to avoid, as the sector has fallen 6.4% over six months while the S&P 500 gained 13.5%. Its top pick is Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB), with a market cap of $39.32 billion. Revenue grew 53.4% annually over two years, cash burn has fallen, and returns on capital are rising. The shares trade at $65.26. It would sell Titan International (NYSE:TWI), valued at $442.1 million. Revenue growth was 1.7% annually, and its net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 5× could force dilutive equity offerings. It also advises against Generac (NYSE:GNRC), valued at $12.9 billion. Sales grew 5.1% annually, operating margin fell 6.7 percentage points over five years, and earnings per share shrank 1.9% annually.

Yahoo Finance

Oct 11th, 2026

Rocket Lab stock could double by 2027 on $1.3B defence deals and Neutron, but delay risk looms

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) could see its shares roughly double by 2027, driven by defence work, a new rocket, and a stronger core business. The main risk is a possible delay to that rocket's first flight. The company has won more than $1.3 billion of Space Development Agency awards to build and operate military satellite constellations. It also signed a $397 million Space Force contract covering spacecraft and launch services. Second-quarter 2026 revenue hit a record $235 million, up 62% year over year. Backlog reached a record $2.4 billion. The reusable Neutron rocket could open a larger launch market. Rocket Lab once targeted a 2026 debut, but by August it only aimed to deliver the rocket to the launchpad in the fourth quarter.

Yahoo Finance

Oct 4th, 2026

Blue Origin wins $700M Mars satellite contract amid Rocket Lab protest

Rocket Lab has formally protested NASA's decision to award a $700 million Mars Telecommunications Network contract to Blue Origin, calling the agency's selection "punitive" and "inconsistent" with congressional eligibility criteria. Blue Origin won the contract to deliver a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter by 31 December 2028, based on its Blue Ring spacecraft platform. The company argues NASA's selection process was rigorous and the award was deserved. The Government Accountability Office now has 100 days to review the protest. If it rules against Rocket Lab, the company could escalate to federal court, potentially delaying the mission beyond the 2028 launch window. Meanwhile, Iridium Communications shareholders approved Rocket Lab's $8 billion acquisition on 24 September. Once closed, the merger will add $884 million in annual revenue to Rocket Lab's existing $769 million, making it instantly profitable.

Foreign Policy Journal

Sep 29th, 2026

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock price could surpass $100 before 2029, analyst predicts.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock price could surpass $100 before 2029, analyst predicts. Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB) has a credible path back to triple-digit territory within the next two years, according to a recent analysis by Motley Fool contributor Daniel Sparks. Rocket Lab stock closed above $100 as recently as early July, meaning a return to that level would represent a rebound rather than uncharted ground for investors. The stock currently trades around $74, meaning the projected move to $100 would represent a gain of approximately 35%, or roughly 14% annually over just over two years. The company's backlog reached a record $2.36 billion at midyear, up 137% year over year, signaling that a substantial portion of future revenue is already under contract. Rocket Lab began August with around 598 million common shares outstanding, with a September share sale adding another 29.3 million shares to that count. An additional 41 million or so preferred shares can convert to common stock, further influencing the total share count and any valuation calculation. Iridium shareholders are also set to receive a portion of their acquisition payment in Rocket Lab stock when the deal closes, which the two companies expect to occur in mid-2027. Taken together, these factors bring the total share count to approximately 700 million, placing Rocket Lab's market value near $70 billion at the $100 price level, compared to roughly $49 billion today. The market previously valued Rocket Lab at $151 per share as recently as late May, demonstrating that investors have already shown willingness to price in aggressive long-term growth expectations. However, Sparks identifies several conditions that still need to go right, noting that the company's larger reusable rocket, Neutron, has not yet flown, the Iridium deal has not yet closed, and the company continues to post losses. Despite his bullish long-term outlook, Sparks stopped short of issuing a buy recommendation, stating that today's price around $74 already prices in years of successful execution. The analysis underscores a broader tension in high-growth space stocks, where strong order backlogs and ambitious development timelines must be weighed carefully against ongoing cash burn and execution risk.

Yahoo Finance

Sep 25th, 2026

Rocket Lab analyst sets $150 target after 51% drop from peak as Neutron delays weigh

Rocket Lab shares have dropped 51% from their 52-week high of $151, but analyst Pierre Ferragu of New Street Research has set a Street-high price target of $150, implying roughly 104% upside. The stock currently trades at $73.61, with a consensus Wall Street target of $109.37. The decline stems from delays to Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket, which saw its launch window narrow after a stage-1 tank test failure. Delivery to the pad is now targeted for Q4 2026. The company also pulled $1.08 billion through its ATM programme in Q2, raising dilution concerns. Ferragu's bullish thesis centres on Neutron commercialisation at $50 to $55 million per flight, growing government contracts including a $397 million Space Force award, and the pending Iridium Communications acquisition. Rocket Lab maintains a $2.36 billion backlog.

Rocket Lab Corporation

Business Development Director - National Security

About the job

About the company

Get referred to Rocket Lab Corporation

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Rocket Lab Corporation unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth