Director, Regulatory Operations

DIRECTOR, REGULATORY OPERATIONS

Rocket Lab is currently seeking a Director of Regulatory Operations who will lead the coordination and execution of regulatory strategy across Rocket Lab. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, legal, government relations, and business leadership, ensuring regulatory pathways are clear, risks are managed, and approvals progress efficiently from concept through deployment. The Director will be responsible for enabling and supporting filings by partnering closely with internal technical experts, legal counsel, and external advisors—removing blockers between submission and approval. This role also serves as a key relationship builder with U.S. and international regulatory bodies and industry organizations, while keeping the business informed of regulatory and policy developments that may impact operations or growth.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Lead and coordinate regulatory operations across applicable regimes (e.g., FCC, NOAA, DOC, State, USCG, ITU, FAA, PHMSA and other domestic or international authorities).
• Identify and eliminate blockers between regulatory filing and approval.
• Partner with engineering, legal, and other functions to support regulatory filings and approvals, ensuring technical, legal, and operational alignment.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with both working-level staff and senior leadership at relevant regulatory agencies.
• Assist subject matter experts and attorneys in the preparation of regulatory submissions by managing inputs, timelines, risk areas, and approval dependencies.
• Represent the company in regulatory and industry forums, including trade associations, standards bodies, and policy working groups.
• Lead regulatory engagement with relevant trade organizations to advance company and industry objectives.
• Advise internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and operational risk.
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and policy; proactively assess impacts to business operations and strategic initiatives.
• Develop internal regulatory processes, tracking mechanisms, and governance structures to support compliance and operational efficiency.
• Brief executive leadership on regulatory risks, timelines, and emerging policy issues as needed.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree +12 years of experience in regulatory affairs, regulatory operations, compliance, or government-facing roles within aerospace, space, aviation, telecommunications, or a similarly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with U.S. government regulators (e.g., FCC, DOC, State, USCG, FAA) and/or international regulatory bodies.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, legal, and business teams.
• Strong understanding of regulatory processes, approvals, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE 

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced degree in law, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
• Prior experience supporting or overseeing the filing of regulatory applications (e.g., licenses, authorizations, certifications).
• Background in aerospace, space systems, satellite operations, advanced air mobility, or defense-adjacent industries.
• Experience engaging with international regulatory frameworks (e.g., ITU coordination, foreign licensing regimes).
• Experience representing organizations through trade associations or standa...