Director, Launch Site VSFB

Firefly Aerospace•Vandenberg AFB, CA

2d•$195,000 - $240,000

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated leader to guide its Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) Launch Operations and Facilities team through each launch cycle. The role leads multidisciplinary teams in solving technical problems and supports customer and range presentations to meet external requirements. Launch operations are the final stage of the launch vehicle value stream and require precise execution. The Director oversees launch campaigns from pad preparations before vehicle arrival through integrated vehicle checkouts and on-pad launch operations. The position manages pad maintenance, schedules, budgets, staffing, operational documentation, and coordination with internal teams and external safety and base operations organizations. It also tracks campaign progress and forecasts with program managers and executive leadership. The role requires a bachelor's degree in an applicable field, or equivalent military or operations experience, and at least five years of aerospace leadership experience across complex systems. Compensation is $195,000–$240,000 per year. Candidates must meet applicable U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Engineering, or Aircraft Operations; equivalent military or operations experience may meet the requirement.
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams.
At least 5 years of aerospace leadership experience across complex systems.
Exceptional computer skills, including MS Excel, MS Project, and MS Visio.
Strong communication skills in technical work environments.
Experience with Atlassian products such as Confluence and Jira.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years running console operations for integrated vehicle and pad operations.
Familiarity with version control systems such as SVN and Bitbucket.
Prior launch vehicle operations experience at test or launch facilities.
Working knowledge of data viewing tools such as Python, LabView, or MATLAB.
Experience in launch vehicle development and/or operations.
Experience supporting U.S. Government and commercial launch proposals.
Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and RCC 319/324.

Responsibilities

Direct launch campaigns from pre-vehicle-arrival pad preparations through integrated vehicle checkouts and on-pad launch operations.
Lead daily vehicle and pad campaign operations tag-ups to keep work on track.
Manage the pad preventative maintenance team to maximize pad availability and reduce operational costs.
Identify opportunities to reduce launch campaign duration and scope.
Work with vehicle and operations teams to keep procedures, documentation, and tools updated for vehicle or site upgrades.
Develop a weekly operating rhythm to ensure pad maintenance, repairs, and updates are completed before vehicle arrival.
Work with the program team to develop an Integrated Master Schedule for vehicle and pad operations for each flight.
Lead periodic schedule status reviews with program managers and executive leadership, presenting progress, forecasts, and schedule metrics.
Develop financial and resource budgets to meet program-directed launch cadences and upgrades.
Participate in or lead hiring for launch operations and facility team members.
Coordinate with SLD/30 Safety Teams to ensure deliverables, reviews, and support for each mission.
Coordinate with on-base operations teams, including 2ROPS and 2SLS, for each mission.
Ensure documentation, coordination, contracts, commodities, and other required items are established and in place for each launch campaign.