Senior Proposal Manager I

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 humanitys 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 Labs 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.

SENIOR PROPOSAL MANAGER I

Based out of Rocket Labs site in Littleton CO the Senior Proposal Manager plays a key role in creating compliant and compelling business proposals that win new business with US and international customers. This role primarily supports the Space Systems Business Development team with a specific focus on satellite opportunities.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Develop and execute proposal plans including analyzing RFPs creating outlines and building compliance matrices.
• Collaborate with the Business Development Manager and/or Director to craft winning proposal strategies and develop compelling messaging.
• Write and manage compliant high-quality proposals that clearly address RFP requirements.
• Take responsibility for specific volumes of proposals ensuring they are well-written compliant and align with the overall strategy.
• Lead proposal kick-off meetings and facilitate regular check-ins with contributors to ensure timelines are met.
• Coordinate with internal teams (such as engineering finance legal) to gather and refine content for proposals.
• Create and manage proposal templates reusable content and visual elements (charts tables and infographics).
• Conduct quality assurance reviews for grammar consistency and formatting to ensure polished submissions.
• Oversee final production and submission ensuring proposals are delivered on time and meet customer requirements.
• Document lessons learned and recommend process improvements for future proposals.
• Support travel as needed (10%).

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in technical management or business discipline.
• 5 years of experience in proposal management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Demonstrated success leading proposals with values greater than $100 million.
• Technical writing expertise with a proven ability to translate complex technical information into clear concise and persuasive language tailored to different audiences.
• Project management experience with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously meeting deadlines while ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve proposal objectives.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active U.S. security clearance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Word and Excel.
• Experience using tools such as Salesforce and SharePoint.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Background in organizational effectiveness and operations implementing best practices.
• Experience with proposal frameworks and methodologies.
• Familiarity with industry-standard proposal processes such as Shipley or APMP.
• Familiarity with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Aerospace or defense industry experience with a strong understanding of the competitive landscape customer base and technology trends in the aerospace or satellite industry.
• Ability to effectively present proposal concepts and strategies to internal stakeholders including team members and leadership.
• Proven ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders including engineers leadership and cross-functional team members.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.