PSCA Spaceport Manager
Position Description: The PSCA Spaceport Manager provides senior leadership for the operation, sustainment, and development of the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska. The Spaceport Manager is comparable to an airport manager at a traditional airport, overseeing spaceport operations and supporting departments to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant launch activities within the specialized environment of a commercial spaceport.
This position requires strong leadership, knowledge of spaceport and launch operations, and the ability to coordinate complex activities among customers, regulatory agencies, local stakeholders, and internal teams supporting space launch missions. The Spaceport Manager works closely with senior leadership and mission integrators to ensure PSCA operations effectively support government and commercial launch customers while maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
This is a full-time on-site position located at the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Periodic travel to Anchorage and other operation locations may be required.
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
Serve as a role model for AAC’s and ALS core values and objectives.
Lead the safe and efficient operation of the spaceport in compliance with FAA regulations under Title 14 CFR, Chapter III, Parts 400-600.
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, OSHA requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local agency requirements and guidelines.
Provide senior leadership and management of all spaceport operations, infrastructure sustainment, and operational readiness to support government and commercial launch customers.
Manage and coordinate launch campaign support activities, including facility readiness, operational logistics, safety coordination, mission support requirements, and launch operations integration.
Coordinate with engineers, contracts, technical specialists, and internal teams to ensure infrastructure projects and upgrades support current and future launch capabilities.
Support AAC management for continued business development and stakeholder engagement, including coordination with government partners, travel to other national spaceports and ranges, engagement with potential spaceport customer offices, and spaceport customer visits in Kodiak and Anchorage.
Manage spaceport operational budgets, fiscal planning, audits, and capital improvement initiatives in coordination with senior leadership.
Attend and participate in customer mission planning to ensure alignment of spaceport infrastructure, safety requirements, and logistics support for launch campaigns.
Maintain coordination with federal, state, and local government agencies regarding spaceport operations, regulatory matters, and community awareness related to launch activities.
Prepare and submit annual budget recommendations for spaceport operations and infrastructure sustainment.
Ensure spaceport personnel and contractors are properly trained, qualified, and prepared to support operational requirements and launch campaigns.
Collaborate with Organizational Development and Human Resources to support workforce planning and optimize PSCA staffing levels.
Recommend improvements to staffing, procedures, facilities, and operational practices to enhance safety, efficiency, and mission capability.
Adapt operations to external factors including weather conditions, launch schedule adjustments, and mission requirements.
Accompany Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors and other regulatory representatives during inspections of the spaceport.
Maintain accurate operational and administrative records.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Strong leadership and demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
Knowledge of commercial, civil, and military space operations and the operational support infrastructure required for launch activities.
Excellent interpersonal communications, public speaking, and presentation skills.
Ability to make independent judgements with limited information.
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).
Willing and able to work extended hours, overtime, and on weekends, as required by mission campaigns.
Required Education/Certification/License:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Aviation Management, Construction Management, Operations Management, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience in aerospace, aviation, or complex infrastructure operations.
Minimum 10 years professional experience in aerospace, launch operations, aviation infrastructure, or large-scale construction sectors.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting space launch, range operations, or mission integration activities.
Familiarity with space mission logistics and transportation of launch hardware or specialized equipment.
Experience working with federal regulatory agencies such as the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
Prior experience with large-scale infrastructure projects or capital improvement programs.
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 and include a resume and cover letter. Professional references required. For questions, call (907) 486-2271. This position will remain open until filled.