SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Isar Aerospace is building a modern space business to enable faster, better, and cheaper access to space. They are establishing a new launch site in Canso, Nova Scotia, and seeking a Director of Launch Operations to lead this initiative from inception through operational maturity.
In the launch site development phase, you will serve as the primary local point of contact for all ground operations topics, working closely with the launch site operator and Isar's global launch operations team. You will establish efficient operational processes and interfaces for resource management, support the permitting and compliance process, contribute to infrastructure design decisions based on operational experience, and build the Launch Operations Canada organization by hiring and developing the operational and technical teams.
During the operational phase, you will lead the local technical and operational teams by setting clear objectives and priorities, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration. Key responsibilities include ensuring training and maintaining qualification of control room operators in accordance with internal training plans and regulatory requirements; assuring operational readiness of site, equipment, and resources for each launch campaign; ensuring operations are prepared, conducted, and documented in compliance with Isar's quality and safety standards and applicable safety regulations; serving as the local point of contact for all operational topics toward the launch site operator and other stakeholders; and developing succession, capability-building, and workforce plans to ensure long-term organizational readiness.
The role is based in Canso, Nova Scotia. During the initial launch site development phase, flexible working arrangements may be required. The position includes an extended onboarding and training period at Isar's headquarters in Germany or at their launch site in Norway before transitioning to Canso as local operations are established.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar field
- Minimum 5 years' experience in launch operations, ground segment operations, process plant operations, or similar
- Hands-on experience in development or testing of complex systems, preferably involving extreme operating conditions and special requirements such as cryogenic temperatures, high pressures, high temperatures, or hazardous materials (flammable or explosive)
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary technical or operational teams, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and capability development
- Demonstrated ability to provide direction and make sound decisions in high-pressure, time-critical, or ambiguous situations
- Experience interacting with regulatory entities and notified bodies
- Ability to adjust self-sufficiently and quickly to a highly dynamic work environment
- Fluency in English
