Sarah Bender
About Sarah Bender
Sarah Bender is a Senior Proposal Writer at Rocket Lab, with a background in proposal development and communications. She has previously held positions at SpaceX and Pepperdine University, contributing to various research and proposal initiatives.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Sarah Bender serves as a Senior Proposal Writer at Rocket Lab, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she is responsible for crafting and developing proposals that support the company's business objectives. Her work contributes to Rocket Lab's mission in the aerospace sector, focusing on innovative launch solutions. The Long Beach, California location serves as a hub for her activities, where she collaborates with various teams to ensure proposals align with organizational goals.
Previous Experience at SpaceX
Prior to her current role, Sarah Bender worked at SpaceX for a total of five years in various capacities. She started as a Proposal Development Intern in 2015, where she gained initial experience in proposal writing. Following this, she served as a Proposal Editor from 2015 to 2018, and then as a Proposal Specialist from 2018 to 2020. In these roles, she focused on refining proposal content and ensuring compliance with industry standards, contributing to SpaceX's competitive edge in the aerospace industry.
Internship Experience at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
In 2014, Sarah Bender completed an internship at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the Heliophysics Science Department. This three-month internship provided her with exposure to scientific research and project development within a leading space research organization. The experience enhanced her understanding of the scientific aspects of aerospace projects and contributed to her professional development.
Education and Academic Background
Sarah Bender earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Pepperdine University, where she studied Physics and Organizational Communications from 2011 to 2015. During her time at the university, she developed a strong foundation in both technical and communication skills. Her education equipped her with the tools necessary for effective proposal writing and project management in the aerospace industry.
Research Assistant Roles at Pepperdine University
Sarah Bender held two positions as a Research Assistant at Pepperdine University. From 2011 to 2015, she worked with Dr. Fasel for four years, and in 2014, she assisted Dr. Andreas for eleven months. These roles involved conducting research and supporting academic projects, which contributed to her analytical skills and understanding of research methodologies.