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Managing Director, Canada, f at Isar Aerospace SE | Swiftcruit
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 Leadership
Build Up Phase:
Lead the development of the Canadian launch site from concept to operational readiness
Build relationships with Canadian authorities to secure necessary launch, environmental, and operational approvals
Define the operational architecture for future launch campaigns, including procedures, staffing plans, and safety frameworks
Coordinate with global engineering and launch teams to ensure site design aligns with vehicle requirements
Locally implement documentation, processes, and tools needed for future launch operations
Oversee procurement, contractor management, and construction activities related to launch infrastructure
Recruit and develop the initial launch site team
Operational Phase:
Oversee all launch‑related activities, including vehicle integration, pad readiness, payload integration, and lift‑off chronology
Develop detailed launch plans and campaign timelines in coordination with global launch teams
Lead and grow a multidisciplinary launch operations team as the site scales
Identify opportunities to shorten launch campaign timelines and improve operational efficiency
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date launch documentation aligned with global standards
Monitor launch performance, conduct post‑launch reviews, and drive continuous improvement
2. Managing Director Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Establish the Canadian entity and build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Foster strong alignment with the parent company and global stakeholders
Represent the company in Canada as its senior executive and public face
Operational Management
Serve as the registered Managing Director, ensuring daily operations comply with Canadian legislation and Board directives
Oversee administrative operations until the Manager Infrastructure, Safety & Service is hired, after which you remain accountable for overall governance
Implement lean, compliant, and product‑centric processes aligned with global guidelines
Corporate Governance & Compliance
Ensure the Canadian entity operates within Canadian corporate governance principles and regulatory frameworks
Maintain transparent and accountable organizational structures and statutory reporting
Implement internal controls and risk management systems
Stay current on legislative changes and ensure organizational compliance
Financial Management
Oversee lawful maintenance of accounts and sound financial management
Collaborate with global Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring
Support financial audits and ensure timely reporting
Identify cost‑saving opportunities and drive financial efficiency
Human Resources & Employee Relations
Partner with global Talent teams to ensure compliant HR policies and processes
Support constructive labor relations and communication with employee representatives
Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement
Act as the primary point of contact for Canadian authorities, regulatory bodies, and local partners
Build strong relationships with suppliers, industry partners, and community stakeholders
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and public forums
Provide regular updates to the Board on performance, risks, and strategic initiatives
Risk, Safety & Security Management
Identify operational and organizational risks and develop mitigation strategies
Implement robust HSE policies to protect employees, assets, and the community
Oversee audits of third‑party vendors to ensure compliance with safety and security standards
Continuously enhance security measures to protect against threats and vulnerabilities
Qualification Checklist
10+ years in aerospace, launch operations, or complex industrial operations
Proven leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams in high‑reliability environments
Experience establishing or scaling a new site, facility, or business unit
Background working with regulators, government agencies, or permitting authorities
Strong track record managing contractors, infrastructure projects, and operational budgets
Leadership & Management
Executive‑level presence with the ability to represent the company to authorities and partners
Comfortable building a team and operational structure from the ground up
Skilled at decision‑making in ambiguous, fast‑changing environments
Strong stakeholder management and cross‑functional coordination skills
Technical & Operational Skills
Solid understanding of launch operations or comparable safety‑critical processes
Strong project management capabilities, including scheduling, budgeting, and contractor oversight
Governance & Compliance
Understanding of corporate governance, statutory obligations, and internal controls
Experience ensuring compliance with labor, financial, environmental, or safety regulations
Ability to implement processes aligned with a parent company’s standards
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Excellent communicator with the ability to engage regulators, partners, employees, and the public
Skilled in producing clear reports, presentations, and operational documentation
High emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders
High integrity, accountability, and sound judgment
Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience and adaptability
Passion for space, engineering, and building something from the ground up
Who we are
We 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!
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Disclaimer Isar 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.
