Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) Spaceport Manager

Position Description: The PSCA Spaceport Manager (SM) is responsible to senior management for all spaceport facility operations and sustainment. The PSCA SM leads site personnel in the daily activity in support project execution and maintenance efforts. The PSCA SM coordinates site staff priorities in support customer launch operations. The role is multi-faceted and vital to space launch safety. The Spaceport Manager responsibilities are similar to an Airport Manager at a traditional airport. A successful candidate will apply airport management best practices to the emerging sector of commercial spaceports. We seek a proven collaborative and respectful leader with a passion for the space industry, hands-on engagement, and interest to define the future of multi-user spaceports.

The SM is responsible to lead, manage, plan, and supervise staff and facilities to ensure 100% success of facility-related spaceport operations. The role requires rigorous application of technical decision making; managing customer operations and relationships at the site; making sure PSCA operations meet the expectations and needs of customers and clients; and the management the on-going planning for new construction, renovations, maintenance and life cycle replacement of assets and related systems to provide a physical environment conducive to effective operation for both government and private sector customers.
This position ensures the appropriate needs of spaceport customers, as supported by the assigned Mission Integrator, as well as the Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC) President & CEO, are met in a manner that is safe, responsive, cost-efficient, and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. This person will advocate for and determine accountability for quality service delivery of all stakeholders in the spaceport environment.

The position requires interpersonal skills needed to work with a diverse team of employees, contractors, and customer personnel. This is a multi-disciplinary position requiring hands-on experience and tasking, as well as the ability to manage a variety of departments and competing needs. It is expected that the Spaceport Manager fosters a collaborative and respectful environment for all site employees.
This is a Full-Time position at the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska on Narrow Cape, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Some travel to the AAC corporate office in Anchorage and other operational locations can be expected.

Aurora Launch Services (ALS): Aurora Launch Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Aerospace, established to provide low cost, highly reliable launch services on a contract basis to both government and commercial space launch customers worldwide.  The company is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, co-located with Alaska Aerospace.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the spaceport within the authority vested through the spaceport owner and in compliance with FAA CFR Title 14, Chapter III, Parts 400 to 600.
2. Complying with FAA regulations, OSHA requirements, and other guidelines.
3. Directing and supervising assigned spaceport facilities, engineering, maintenance, logistics, and custodial staff.
4. Ensuring staff are properly trained, qualified, and ready to conduct assigned duties.
5. Supporting the administrative and technical requirements to ensure employees have sufficient resources to perform assigned duties.
6. Managing all budget, fiscal, audit and capital functions in coordination with company requirements.
7. Prepares recommendations and specifications for spaceport purchasing and capital improvement projects; coordinates any construction work with Alaska Aerospace, customers and tenants, and the public.
8. Prepares annual budget and submits proposed annual budget to Alaska Aerospace.
9. Oversees the maintenance, repair, and upgrades of spaceport equipment.
10. Manages spaceport facilities in accordance to the Spaceport Master Plan. Recommends updates to the Master Plan, as appropriate to meet evolving customer needs.
11. Recommends changes in standards, administrative procedures, facilities, methods, and practices.
12. Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the spaceport.
13. Enforces security in restricted areas, if necessary.
14. Accompanies Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors during inspections of the Spaceport.
15. Adapts to outside factors, such as weather and launch schedule delays.
16. Works with community leaders.
17. Maintains accurate records.
18. Serves as a role model for AAC’s core values and objectives.
19. Other related duties, as assigned.

Required Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Aviation Management, Business Administration, or Aeronautical Engineering).
• Experience in managing airport, spaceport, or range operations, including relevant engineering activities and/or facilities.
• Minimum fifteen years’ professional experience in the aerospace sector.
• Proven track-record of managing formal and ad-hoc teams with strong leadership qualities, outcomes-based focus, open team environment, and culturally-diverse employee base of full-time, part-time and contract employees.
• Excellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Willing and able to work extended hours, overtime, and on weekends, as required.
• Ability to multi-task in a very dynamic and complex aerospace environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
• Background check and drug screen required.

Preferred Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications:

• Experience in conducting and leading space operations.
• Previous experience developing and/or operating spaceport-related facilities.
• Familiarity with Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Aurora Launch Services to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Compensation

A competitive salary and benefits package, determined upon experience level of individual, will be negotiated after an offer to hire has been given.

To Apply  

Please apply online on Indeed.com or send a resume and cover letter to careers.ctr@akaerospace.com. For questions call (907) 486-2271. This position will remain open until filled. Visit application here.