Launch Program Director

NordSpace (https : / / nordspace.com ) is a Canadian startup with the mission to develop Canada's first sovereign space launch and end-to-end space missions capability. With divisions ranging from rocket propulsion and spaceports, to satellite development and planetary robotics, NordSpace is driven to do everything it takes to bring space closer to Earth. As the Launch Program Director at NordSpace, you will be leading the development of Canada's first orbital class launch vehicle, to be launched from NordSpace's Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key Responsibilities

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 NordSpace’s orbital launch vehicles and launch site.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Collaborate with external stakeholders, including customers, partners, suppliers, and government, to identify joint development opportunities and advance program objectives.

Champion NordSpace launch initiatives with government, regulators, and community, ensuring strong engagement, alignment and public support.

Qualifications

Minimum 8–10 years of experience in launch system development and operations within orbital or suborbital programs.

Proven track record leading design, integration, and operation of liquid bipropellant launch vehicles or equivalent space systems.

Demonstrated leadership through multiple flight campaigns or full lifecycle development programs—from concept to launch execution.

System-engineering understanding of propulsion, stage integration, GN&C, avionics, and ground support systems.

Hands‑on experience managing vehicle assembly, integration, and static or hot‑fire test campaigns, ideally in a launch or test range environment.

Proven ability to direct teams in rapid iteration environments balancing performance, safety, and program goals.

Solid foundation in launch operations protocols, range safety standards, countdown procedures, and recovery coordination.

Skilled in using systems engineering tools for requirements management, test verification, configuration control, and anomaly resolution.

Strong familiarity with regulatory and safety compliance, including FAA, Transport Canada or other relevant national‑body launch licensing frameworks.

Effective communicator capable of managing cross‑sector stakeholder relationships—technical, governmental, and community‑focused.

Strongly preferred : Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent leader‑level experience strongly preferred.

Highly valued : Leadership and on‑console experience at SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace, or within comparable new space launch development environments.

Results‑oriented, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and brings initiative and creativity to the team.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr