PSCA Spaceport Manager
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.
Position Summary: 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.
Location: This position is based at the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska in Kodiak, AK. Work is performed on-site, with occasional work-related travel to Anchorage, customer locations, government or regulatory meetings, other operational sites, and business-related locations in support of mission activities and organizational needs.
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.
Ability to multi-task in a very dynamic and complex aerospace environment.
Required Education & Experience
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. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered where appropriate.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Experience supporting space launch, range operations, mission integration, FAA-regulated operations, large-scale infrastructure projects, capital improvement programs, or logistics involving specialized equipment or launch hardware preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position operates in both office and operational environments, including indoor and outdoor facilities, launch-related areas, operational sites, and field locations. Duties may require prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, as well as standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, accessing operational areas, and traveling between facilities or work sites. Work may involve occasional exposure to equipment, machinery, noise, dust, dirt, fumes, smoke, uneven terrain, and varying weather conditions. Occasional work-related travel may be required in support of mission activities, customer requirements, regulatory coordination, stakeholder engagement, and organizational needs. Use of company-required and task-appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides leadership, direction, and oversight for assigned employees, departments, contractors, vendors, and other personnel supporting spaceport operations. Responsibilities may include planning and assigning work, setting priorities, monitoring performance and work quality, supporting training and workforce planning, ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements, and providing input or recommendations regarding staffing, performance management, discipline, and related personnel matters.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by mission campaigns, as applicable.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug screening.
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. The anticipated salary range for this position is $136,677 - $165,951 annually.
To Apply
Please apply online on Indeed.com or send a resume and cover letter to aaccareers@akaerospace.com. Professional references required. We recognize that candidates may not meet every listed qualification and encourage applicants with relevant experience, transferable skills, and interest in the role to apply. For questions call (907) 413-2301. This position will remain open until filled.