Launch Program Director

Job Description

<p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lead the flow-down of launch program business objectives to systems-level engineering requirements and be accountable for the development lifecycle, budget, schedule and resourcing of our orbital launch vehicles and launch site.</li>
<li>Foster an agile, process-driven culture and manage high-velocity, iterative design-build-test cycles to accelerate program maturity across all subsystem teams simultaneously and cohesively — propulsion, avionics, GN&C, structures, fluid systems, etc.</li>
<li>Drive the practice of cross-functional technical and readiness reviews (SRR, SDR, CDR, FRR), hardware qualification, and acceptance testing across engineering teams to ensure systems meet program objectives and mission assurance standards.</li>
<li>Lead overall direction of launch site planning and operations, including infrastructure commissioning, range coordination, and regulatory readiness, interfacing with relevant internal and external stakeholders to meet program objectives.</li>
<li>Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams across engineering, manufacturing, sales & marketing, regulatory affairs, finance and people operations to ensure alignment of strategy and execution towards the program objectives.</li>
<li>Collaborate with external stakeholders, including customers, partners, suppliers, and government, to identify joint development opportunities and advance program objectives.</li>
<li>Champion our launch initiatives with government, regulators, and community, ensuring strong engagement, alignment and public support.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3>
<ul>
<li>Minimum 8–10 years of experience in launch system development and operations within orbital or suborbital programs.</li>
<li>Proven track record leading design, integration, and operations of liquid bipropellant launch vehicles or equivalent space systems.</li>
<li>Demonstrated leadership through multiple flight campaigns or full lifecycle development programs—from concept to launch execution.</li>
<li>System-engineering understanding of propulsion, stage integration, GN&C, avionics, and ground support systems.</li>
<li>Hands-on experience managing vehicle assembly, integration, and static or hot-fire test campaigns, ideally in a launch or test range environment.</li>
<li>Proven ability to direct teams in rapid iteration environments balancing performance, safety, and program goals.</li>
<li>Solid foundation in launch operations protocols, range safety standards, countdown procedures, and recovery coordination.</li>
<li>Skilled in using systems engineering tools for requirements management, test verification, configuration control, and anomaly resolution.</li>
<li>Strong familiarity with regulatory and safety compliance, including FAA, Transport Canada or other relevant national-body launch licensing frameworks.</li>
<li>Effective communicator capable of managing cross-sector stakeholder relationships—technical, governmental, and community-focused.</li>
<li>Strongly preferred: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent leader-level experience strongly preferred.</li>
<li>Highly valued: Leadership and on-console experience at SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace, or within comparable new space launch development environments.</li>
<li>Results-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings initiative and creativity to the team.</li>
</ul>
<p>All roles are full-time in-person at our Markham, Ontario location or our St. John's, Newfoundland location. Occasional travel to Ottawa, Ontario and St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, will be required.</p>
<p>Salary Range:120-160k base + equity</p>
<p>***Only qualified candidates who meet all of the requirements will be contacted for interviews.</p></p>
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