Director, European Government Operations

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 rockethas 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.

DIRECTOR EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

As the Director European Government Operations based inMunich/ BerlinGermany you will lead Rocket Labs government affairs strategy across Germany with targeted engagement in priority European markets as the companys regional footprint evolves. You will play a critical role in advancing Rocket Labs business objectives by shaping policy environments building strategic government relationships and ensuring alignment between Government Affairs and Business this role you will work at the intersection of aerospace innovation national security and European public-sector engagement. To be successful you must be resultsoriented proactive politically astute and deeply comfortable operating in complex fastmoving environments. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects delivering on the impossible and making an impact on the future of space.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO

• Develop and lead Rocket Labs government affairs strategy in Germany with targeted engagement in priority European markets as this area of interest develops ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and business development objectives
• Engage with EUlevel institutions and programs relevant to space and defense including EDF EDIP EUSPA and the European Defense Agency (EDA) to advance Rocket Labs policy and program objectives.
• Establish and grow Rocket Labs presence with government entities and innovation ecosystems in Munich and other strategic European hubs
• Partner closely with the Business Development team to support market expansion customer engagement and pursuit of governmentfunded programs
• Shape Rocket Labs positioning in active European policy debates - including launch sovereignty the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP) dualuse technology regulation and the EU Space Programs procurement frame works.
• Provide strategic guidance on developments directly relevant to Rocket Labs position as a nonEuropean supplier - including export control regimes (ITAR/EAR) European sovereign capability debates and evolving defense procurement preferences under the Zeitenwende.
• Represent Rocket Lab in industry associations working groups and publicsector forums to strengthen the companys visibility and credibility
• Drive measurable business outcomes through targeted government engagement not only monitoring policy trends but actively shaping them
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on European political dynamics defense priorities and government procurement pathways

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in political science international relations public policy law economics engineering or a related field
• 12 years of experience in government affairs public policy defense aerospace or related strategic roles within Germany or Europe
• Professional fluency in German and English
• Demonstrated success building and managing relationships with senior government officials policymakers and publicsector institutions
• Proven ability to drive businessaligned outcomes through government engagement not solely policy monitoring
• Strong understanding of European political structures defense priorities civil space programs and procurement processes - including familiarity with ESA programs EU space initiatives and international exploration frameworks such as Artemis.
• Familiarity with NATO space and defense structures - including NATO DIANA the NATO Space Centre at Ramstein and national resilience frameworks under Article 3 obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously set strategy and execute in a fastpaced highgrowth environment
• Exceptional communication negotiation and stakeholdermanagement skills

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Background in space aerospace defense or dualuse technology sectors
• Experience working with or within institutions such as DLR MOD Bundestag committees EU defense bodies or national innovation agencies
• Prior roles in business development defense industrial policy or publicsector consulting
• Experience working in Munichs government defense or technology ecosystem

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 hereITAR Regulations.