Launch Licensing & Authorization Director

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

The Launch Licensing and Authorization Director will lead the company’s work to obtain approvals to conduct its launch activities in the US and abroad. This role will report to the Sr. Director of Mission Operations, to assist in providing the full scope of launch operations to Stratolaunch’s customers. Success in this role will be defined as reliably obtaining authority from regulators, range owners and any other necessary stakeholders to operate Talon-A and follow-on platforms in support of customer goals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implementation of a consistent regulatory approach to be used as the baseline for launch operations
• Act as the first level of executive regulatory and range liaison for Stratolaunch, working at the PM level in the FA
• Understand the regulatory environment in any region that Stratolaunch is considering operations and work with internal stakeholders to shape decisions impacting potential operations
• Create and execute an approval plan for each launch, in concert with Program Leadership, subcontractors, customers, national and international regulators, range operators and other stakeholders
• Ensure only the highest quality submissions are delivered to regulators or range operators on a schedule that supports planned launches
• Represent Stratolaunch to executive level national and international decision makers for regulatory or range authorizations
• Provide executive-level verbal and written updates on regulatory work to the Sr Director of Mission Operations, the SVP of Operations and Quality, CEO and company board, regulator or range leadership
• Oversee and provide leadership for the Licensing and Range Integration Team
• Travel, as needed, to support liaison efforts, in person coordination or on-site activities

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven ability to convey complex information effectively in a concise manner to the highest level of authority internally and/or externally
• Proven ability to influence, guide and build credibility with decision makers internally and/or externally
• Proven ability to analyze complex situations, identify key challenges and articulate clear solutions
• Expert level communication skills effective within all levels of an organization
• Significant regulatory compliance experience with (at least one of, in priority order):
  • FAA 14 CFR Part 450 Launch and Reentry License Requirements or its predecessors (Part 417/431/435 or similar)
  • FAA 14 CFR Part 21 (focus on Part 21.191 Experimental Certificates) and Part 91 (focus on Part 21.319 Aircraft Having Experimental Certifications)

• Your application could be made stronger based on your experience with:
  • US Military air test range operations and authorization processes, with a focus on Space Launch Delta 30 & 45. Employment of RCC Universal Documentation System processes, Range Commander’s Council documents:122, 313, 319 & 320
  • Non-US air test range operations and authorization processes
  • Developing and complying with evolving regulatory structures for new/novel aviation operations
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience in the aerospace industry
• 5+ years direct managerial experience
• 8+ years of direct project/program management in the aerospace and/or aviation industry
• Advanced degree or degrees in relevant field is desired
• Compensation: $160,000-$257,000 with up to 20% annual bonus

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Preferred location is Washington D.C., or ability to travel as required to Washington D.C.
• Up to 25% travel to other range or regulator locations or Mojave, CA as required.
• #LI-WG1

Benefits and our location(s): 

• Relocation eligible to local area – Our Locations
• 9/80 schedule
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to the IRS annual limit
• Tuition reimbursement

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts. 

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role:

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf