As the Managing Director Launch Site Canada, you will be the first person on the ground and the driving force behind establishing our Canadian launch site and operations. You will lead all launch related activities while simultaneously building and managing the Canadian legal entity, ensuring compliance, infrastructure readiness, and strong relationships with authorities and partners.This is a rare opportunity to shape a national spaceport presence from day one. In the early years, your primary mission will be to build the foundation for future launch campaigns: securing regulatory approvals, developing infrastructure, establishing operational processes, and assembling a high performing team. You will lead the development of the site, prepare all systems and procedures for launch readiness, and ensure the Canadian entity is fully compliant, well governed, and aligned with our global organization. Once the site becomes operational, you will oversee launch campaigns, pad operations, and mission execution.You will report to the Canadian Board of Directors and disciplinarily to the VP Mission & Launch Operations and work closely with global teams in Germany, Norway and Sweden across Launch Operations, Engineering, HR, Finance, Legal, and Infrastructure.Your Role in Our Space Mission:1. Launch Operations LeadershipBuild Up Phase:Lead the development of the Canadian launch site from concept to operational readinessBuild relationships with Canadian authorities to secure necessary launch, environmental, and operational approvalsDefine the operational architecture for future launch campaigns, including procedures, staffing plans, and safety frameworksCoordinate with global engineering and launch teams to ensure site design aligns with vehicle requirementsLocally implement documentation, processes, and tools needed for future launch operationsOversee procurement, contractor management, and construction activities related to launch infrastructureRecruit and develop the initial launch site teamOperational Phase:Oversee all launch ‐ related activities, including vehicle integration, pad readiness, payload integration, and lift ‐ off chronologyDevelop detailed launch plans and campaign timelines in coordination with global launch teamsLead and grow a multidisciplinary launch operations team as the site scalesIdentify opportunities to shorten launch campaign timelines and improve operational efficiencyMaintain accurate and up ‐ to ‐ date launch documentation aligned with global standardsMonitor launch performance, conduct post ‐ launch reviews, and drive continuous improvement2. M anaging Director ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipEstablish the Canadian entity and build a culture of innovation, collaboration,



and continuous improvementFoster strong alignment with the parent company and global stakeholdersRepresent the company in Canada as its senior executive and public faceOperational ManagementServe as the registered Managing Director, ensuring daily operations comply with Canadian legislation and Board directivesOversee administrative operations until the Manager Infrastructure, Safety & Service is hired, after which you remain accountable for overall governanceImplement lean, compliant, and product ‐ centric processes aligned with global guidelinesCorporate Governance & ComplianceEnsure the Canadian entity operates within Canadian corporate governance principles and regulatory frameworksMaintain transparent and accountable organizational structures and statutory reportingImplement internal controls and risk management systemsStay current on legislative changes and ensure organizational complianceOversee lawful maintenance of accounts and sound financial managementCollaborate with global Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoringSupport financial audits and ensure timely reportingIdentify cost ‐ saving opportunities and drive financial efficiencyHuman Resources & Employee RelationsPartner with global Talent teams to ensure compliant HR policies and processesSupport constructive labor relations and communication with employee representativesStakeholder & Regulatory EngagementAct as the primary point of contact for Canadian authorities, regulatory bodies, and local partnersBuild solid relationships with suppliers, industry partners, and community stakeholdersRepresent the company at industry events, conferences, and public forumsProvide regular updates to the Board on performance, risks, and strategic initiativesRisk, Safety & Security ManagementIdentify operational and organizational risks and develop mitigation strategiesImplement robust HSE policies to protect employees, assets, and the communityOversee audits of third ‐ party vendors to ensure compliance with safety and security standardsContinuously enhance security measures to protect against threats and vulnerabilitiesQualification Checklist10+ years in aerospace, launch operations, or complex industrial operationsProven leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams in high ‐ reliability environmentsExperience establishing or scaling a new site, facility, or business unitBackground working with regulators, government agencies, or permitting authoritiesStrong track record managing contractors, infrastructure projects,



and operational budgetsLeadership & ManagementExecutive ‐ level presence with the ability to represent the company to authorities and partnersComfortable building a team and operational structure from the ground upSkilled at decision ‐ making in ambiguous, fast ‐ changing environmentsStrong stakeholder management and cross ‐ functional coordination skillsTechnical & Operational SkillsSolid understanding of launch operations or comparable safety ‐ critical processesStrong project management capabilities, including scheduling, budgeting, and contractor oversightGovernance & ComplianceUnderstanding of corporate governance, statutory obligations, and internal controlsExperience ensuring compliance with labor, financial, environmental, or safety regulationsAbility to implement processes aligned with a parent company's standardsCommunication & Interpersonal SkillsExcellent communicator with the ability to engage regulators, partners, employees, and the publicSkilled in producing clear reports, presentations, and operational documentationHigh emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholdersHigh integrity, accountability, and sound judgmentEntrepreneurial mindset with resilience and adaptabilityPassion for space, engineering, and building something from the ground upWho we areWe are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space.Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations.We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation.We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career!Data ProtectionWe process your personal data for the purpose of managing the recruitment process and assessing your application. For detailed information on how your data is processed, including your rights, please refer to our Privacy Policy .DisclaimerIsar Aerospace SE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Managing Director, Canada (M/F/D) Mission & Launch Operations (Ottawa)
🏢 Isar Aerospace
📍 Ottawa