Commercial Director Jobs in California
Commercial Director jobs in California rank among the most active markets in the country, with strong demand across technology, entertainment, healthcare, and real estate sectors and openings at every level from senior manager to C-suite. The heaviest concentration of hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established employers like Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente, and NBCUniversal consistently bring on commercial directors. The most in-demand specializations include enterprise sales leadership, revenue operations, and strategic partnerships. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Rocket Lab's Business Development team is responsible for connecting customers across government and commercial sectors with our industry leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems. They work closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions to deliver their missions. Building and maintaining relationships with customers and internally with engineering and operations teams is at the core of our Business Development team. They have their fingers on the pulse of the space industry and are driven to deliver results for our customers and our business.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – CIVIL & COMMERCIAL
Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Senior Director, Business Development, you will drive Rocket Lab's growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on civil and commercial opportunities such as government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation, and technology companies. Your role will involve identifying and engaging with potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts that expand our market share in this rapidly growing sector.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil and commercial applications
- Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large commercial or civil space contracts,
- Engage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab's solutions align with their evolving needs
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business
- Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies
- Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities
- Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab's capabilities/experience to provide satellite solutions – including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements
- Lead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business
- Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders
- Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings
- Travel as needed for business opportunities
- Other duties as assigned or required
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 15+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
- In-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape
- Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
- Specialization in civil and commercial business development
- Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms
- Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial space satellite programs
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
- Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
- General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
- Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
- Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.
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.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Rocket Lab's Business Development team is responsible for connecting customers across government and commercial sectors with our industry leading mission solutions spanning launch and space systems. They work closely with new and existing customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions to deliver their missions. Building and maintaining relationships with customers and internally with engineering and operations teams is at the core of our Business Development team. They have their fingers on the pulse of the space industry and are driven to deliver results for our customers and our business.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – CIVIL & COMMERCIAL
Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Senior Director, Business Development, you will drive Rocket Lab's growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on civil and commercial opportunities such as government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation, and technology companies. Your role will involve identifying and engaging with potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts that expand our market share in this rapidly growing sector.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil and commercial applications
- Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large commercial or civil space contracts,
- Engage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab's solutions align with their evolving needs
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business
- Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies
- Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities
- Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab's capabilities/experience to provide satellite solutions – including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements
- Lead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business
- Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders
- Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings
- Travel as needed for business opportunities
- Other duties as assigned or required
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 15+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
- In-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape
- Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
- Specialization in civil and commercial business development
- Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms
- Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial space satellite programs
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
- Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
- General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
- Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
- Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.
See All 71 Commercial Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Commercial Director JobsCommercial Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Commercial Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in commercial director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field required by most California employers
- Seven or more years of progressive sales or commercial leadership experience in California markets
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute revenue growth strategies across large California accounts
- Experience managing cross-functional teams in matrixed California technology or healthcare organizations
- Strong familiarity with CRM platforms and data-driven forecasting tools used by California enterprises
- MBA or advanced business degree preferred by major California employers in technology and life sciences
Commercial Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a commercial director in California?
Becoming a commercial director in California typically requires a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or finance, followed by progressive experience in sales management or revenue leadership roles. California does not require a state-issued license for commercial directors. Most candidates move up through senior sales manager or VP of sales positions at California-based companies, and an MBA from a California institution or an equivalent program can accelerate the path to a director-level role.
Which companies hire commercial directors in California?
Employers hiring commercial directors in California right now include Gilead Sciences, ENFRA, and Amgen, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of Fortune 500 technology, life sciences, and media companies means director-level commercial roles appear consistently throughout the year, particularly in the Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles.
Which California cities have the most commercial director jobs?
San Francisco, Foster City, and Los Angeles have the most commercial director openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its dense concentration of entertainment, retail, and technology companies, while San Francisco and San Jose are driven by enterprise software and venture-backed firms that staff commercial leadership heavily, and San Diego's active biotech and defense sectors generate steady director-level demand.
Are there remote commercial director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 81% of commercial director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-based and strategic nature of the role. The parts of the job most suited to remote work include revenue planning, forecasting, and cross-functional strategy, while roles requiring frequent client entertainment or on-site team leadership in California tend to remain in-office or hybrid.
How can I get hired as a commercial director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into an associate director or senior sales manager role at a mid-size California technology or healthcare company, where leadership track programs exist for high performers. Large California employers like Salesforce, Oracle, and Kaiser Permanente run structured sales leadership development programs that promote from within. Building experience in account management or revenue operations and earning a California-based MBA can also position you for a first director appointment within a few years.
Where can I find and apply to commercial director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to commercial director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 71 Commercial Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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