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 â 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.
DIRECTOR â EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
As the Director â European Government Operations, based in Munich/ Berlin, Germany, you will lead Rocket Labâs government affairs strategy across Germany with targeted engagement in priority European markets as the companyâs regional footprint evolves. You will play a critical role in advancing Rocket Labâs business objectives by shaping policy environments, building strategic government relationships, and ensuring alignment between Government Affairs and Business Development. In this role, you will work at the intersection of aerospace innovation, national security, and European public-sector engagement. To be successful, you must be resultsâoriented, proactive, politically astute, and deeply comfortable operating in complex, fastâmoving 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 YOUâLL GET TO DO
- Develop and lead Rocket Labâs 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 EUâlevel institutions and programs relevant to space and defense, including EDF, EDIP, EUSPA, and the European Defense Agency (EDA), to advance Rocket Labâs policy and program objectives.
- Establish and grow Rocket Labâs 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 governmentâfunded programs
- Shape Rocket Labâs positioning in active European policy debates - including launch sovereignty, the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP), dualâuse technology regulation, and the EU Space Programâs procurement frame works.
- Provide strategic guidance on developments directly relevant to Rocket Labâs position as a nonâEuropean 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 publicâsector forums to strengthen the companyâs 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
YOUâLL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelorâs 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 publicâsector institutions
- Proven ability to drive businessâaligned 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 fastâpaced, highâgrowth environment
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholderâmanagement skills
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
- Background in space, aerospace, defense, or dualâuse 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 publicâsector consulting
- Experience working in Munichâs government, defense, or technology ecosystem
WHAT TO EXPECT
Weâre on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but thatâs 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 otherâs 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.