Launch Director
Orbex Space
This job is no longer accepting applications
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Posted on Jul 31, 2024
As Launch Director for Orbex, you will be responsible for the safe conduct of launch campaigns for the Orbex Prime launch vehicle, covering all aspects from launch site and pad systems preparation through launch vehicle and payload integration to dress-rehearsals, launch, in-flight and recovery operations.
Reporting to our Chief Scientist this role is a key part of our leadership team.
The initial focus of this role will be on establishing and training the Orbex launch processing and control organisation as well as developing operational processes and procedures as we work towards the first test launch of Prime.
Longer term you will build and lead a growing multi-disciplinary team to support higher launch cadences and increasingly complex mission CONOPs.
This position requires exceptional leadership skills, meticulous attention to detail, a focus on process development, standardization and improvement, as well as a strong drive to provide our customers best-in-class launch services.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €122m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, using your skills to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
Responsibilities
Basic Qualifications
Desirable Experience and Personal Qualities
Location: Location – Forres
Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters and will require significant time working at our home spaceport in Sutherland.
Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.
If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.
Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.
If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.
Security
You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.
Benefits – UK
Reporting to our Chief Scientist this role is a key part of our leadership team.
The initial focus of this role will be on establishing and training the Orbex launch processing and control organisation as well as developing operational processes and procedures as we work towards the first test launch of Prime.
Longer term you will build and lead a growing multi-disciplinary team to support higher launch cadences and increasingly complex mission CONOPs.
This position requires exceptional leadership skills, meticulous attention to detail, a focus on process development, standardization and improvement, as well as a strong drive to provide our customers best-in-class launch services.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €122m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, using your skills to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
Responsibilities
- Build and lead a team of engineers and technicians that create and implement Orbex standards and processes used to launch and operate our launch vehicles.
- Manage, organise and mentor that team as well as any other employees involved in the launch operations
- Build launch and flight procedures covering all phases of operation, including nominal and off-nominal scenarios
- Work with the operations team responsible for payloads, and surface operations
- Develop plans to ensure current and future programme needs are addressed
- Collaborate with internal teams to build trust and relationships including mission control, systems engineering and spaceport operations
- Accountable for ensuring all safety concerns and needs are addressed prior to launch
- Deal with any and all planned and unplanned events either during launch or flights
- Define, plan and participate in practical training and mission rehearsal sessions
- Ensure all staff maintain the correct competencies and training required for launch (in compliance with CAA standards)
- Be responsible for the SIA / SIR rules and associated processes
- Management of external sub-contractors, suppliers and agencies involved in launch or pre-launch activities
- Identification and implementation of opportunities to reduce launch operations scope and turn-around times.
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years working with in live-fire testing, rocket/missile launches, propulsion testing or safety critical operations with hands-on experience.
- Minimum of a BSc degree in engineering or physics or equivalent combination of education and experience. MOD experience would be advantageous.
- Comprehensive knowledge of safety critical operations of complex systems with multiple stakeholders, hereunder an understanding of the typical roles and functions of sub-contractors, agencies and regulating bodies involved in launch and space flight activities.
- Experience with ground support equipment and test installations, hereunder fluid control systems, mechanical, electrical, electromechanical and communication systems.
- Experience with training and simulations as a means of establishing operational readiness. Extensive experience of leading, mentoring and developing high-performing teams engaged in high-consequence operations.
Desirable Experience and Personal Qualities
- 5+ year of console operations experience for launch system or propulsive test facilities
- Prior experience with launch vehicle operations at launch or test facilities
- Experience executing rocket propulsion hot-fire tests
- Familiarity with relevant domain standards and regulations, eg. RCC 319/324, AFSC Manual 91-710 and FAA-14-CFR
- A strong work ethic, grit and a determination to lead by example
- The ability to stay calm and make rational decisions under pressure
Location: Location – Forres
Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters and will require significant time working at our home spaceport in Sutherland.
Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.
If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.
Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.
If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.
Security
You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.
Benefits – UK
- Salary of 55-75K depending on experience
- Share Options in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful
- 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
- NEST workplace pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
- Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.
- Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps
- Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.
This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at Orbex Space.See open jobs similar to "Launch Director" SpaceTalent.