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Director, European Government Operations
Contract type
Ongoing
Work mode
Remote · Germany
Experience
Lead / principal · 12+ years
Job description
Director – European Government Operations based in Munich/Berlin, Germany, leading Rocket Lab's government affairs strategy across Germany and Europe. The role shapes policy environments, builds government relationships, and aligns Government Affairs with Business Development.
At a glance
- Employment
- Full-time · Employee (employment agreement)
- Work mode
- Remote · Germany
- Languages
- German – fluent, English – fluent
What you'll 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, actively shaping policy trends
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on European political dynamics, defense priorities, and government procurement pathways
What we're looking for
- 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
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
Your team
European Government Operations
Apply
About Rocket Lab
The end-to-end space company
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.
Mission
Unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth
Key facts
- Aerospace
- Builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems
- Operates in the U.S., New Zealand, and Europe
What they value
- Hard work
- Determination
- Relentless innovation
- Teamwork
- Grit
- Unwavering commitment
- Having each other's backs
- Checking egos at the door