Director, European Government Operations

The role

You will lead Rocket Lab's government affairs strategy across Germany and the broader European region. You will build the European Government Operations function and manage relationships with German federal stakeholders and government entities.

What you will do

• Build and lead Rocket Lab's in-house European Government Operations function
• Develop and lead government affairs strategy in Germany and across Europe
• Build and maintain relationships with German federal stakeholders including the Bundestag, DLR, and Ministry of Defense
• Establish and grow presence with government entities and innovation ecosystems in Munich and other European hubs
• Partner with the Business Development team to support market expansion and government-funded programs
• Shape and influence policy discussions related to space, defense, launch, and emerging technologies
• Provide strategic guidance on political, regulatory, and industrial-policy developments across Europe
• Represent Rocket Lab in industry associations, working groups, and public-sector forums
• Drive business outcomes through targeted government engagement
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on European political dynamics and procurement pathways

Required 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
• 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

About the company

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. They move fast to build real hardware for meaningful missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.