New

Director, Corporate Development

Rocket Lab USA
$150,000-$225,000 USD
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, Long Beach
Aug 12, 2025
ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights! Director, Corporate Development Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Corporate Development will play a key role in driving the strategic direction and execution of the company by evaluating and executing key inorganic growth opportunities, including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and investments. You will partner with senior leaders and internal stakeholders to manage a strategic planning process encompassing market analyses, strategy formulations, make vs. buy analyses, competitive dynamics, and the inorganic pipeline and roadmap. You will play a significant role in building and driving a world-class, end-to-end deal process, including strategic thesis development, valuation analysis, due diligence, cross-functional project management, negotiation support, and integration planning / execution. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Develop strategic theses, market analyses, financial models, and valuations to evaluate and recommend potential transactions Manage a strategic planning capability to analyze and prioritize the opportunities supporting the company's strategic vision Lead post-close integration planning and execution with a focus on realizing full strategic and financial value Lead cross-functional deal due diligence with a focus on identifying, mitigating, and/or capturing risks and opportunities Partner with senior leaders to tackle complex strategic questions and distill findings to build clear and succinct business cases to facilitate decision-making by executive leadership and the Board of Directors Partner with key internal and external resources to monitor industry trends, key competitors, and emerging technologies YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 7+ years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Management Consulting Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects with multiple workstreams, internal/external stakeholders, and tight schedules Demonstrated research and analytical skills with a strong ability to distill complex problems, variables, and data into clear insights and recommendations Experience challenging assumptions and influencing decision-making processes Experience building collaborative partnerships with general management and cross-functional leaders THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or other advanced degree 3+ years of Corporate Development experience inside a company Experience leading and/or participating in a variety of complex negotiations, deal structures, and underlying deal workstreams Strong attention-to-detail with a focus on proactivity and efficiency A self-starter with the ability to work autonomously to drive projects to completion Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours Must be able to work extended 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. 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. 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, 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 — $225,000 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 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/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 hereITAR Regulations.