Director, European Government Operations
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Job Description
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.
DIRECTOR – EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
As the Director – European Government Operations, based in Munich/ Berlin, Germany, you will lead Rocket Lab's government affairs strategy across Germany and the broader European region. You will play a critical role in advancing Rocket Lab's 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 results‑oriented, proactive, politically astute, and deeply comfortable operating in complex, fast‑moving 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 YOU'LL GET TO DO
- Build and lead Rocket Lab's in‑house European Government Operations function, delivering the same level of strategic support and government engagement the company receives in the U.S. market
- Develop and lead Rocket Lab's government affairs strategy in Germany and across Europe, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and business development objectives
- Build and maintain high‑impact relationships with key German federal stakeholders, including the Bundestag, DLR, Ministry of Defense, and relevant regulatory and executive agencies
- Establish and grow Rocket Lab's 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 government‑funded programs
- Shape and influence policy discussions related to space, defense, launch, and emerging technologies, ensuring Rocket Lab's interests are represented and understood
- Provide strategic guidance on political, regulatory, and industrial‑policy developments across Europe, identifying opportunities and risks for business
- Represent Rocket Lab in industry associations, working groups, and public‑sector forums to strengthen the company's 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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's 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 public‑sector institutions
- Proven ability to drive business‑aligned outcomes through government engagement, not solely policy monitoring
- Strong understanding of European political structures, defense priorities, and government procurement processes
- Ability to operate autonomously, set strategy, and execute in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
- Background in space, aerospace, defense, or dual‑use 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 public‑sector consulting
- Experience working in Munich's government, defense, or technology ecosystem
- Familiarity with NATO, EU defense initiatives, and cross‑border industrial‑cooperation frameworks
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
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
FOR
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