Mission Manager

About the company

Southern Launch offers bespoke space mission services from two complementary spaceports in Australia. Its vertically integrated processes for orbital and suborbital launch, hypersonic flight, re-entries from space, and range services for advanced system testing have been proven by customers and regulators.

About the role

The Mission Manager develops operational processes in close collaboration with customers and regulatory authorities. This role ensures that all technical documentation, regulatory approvals, and secondary authorisations are in place to enable safe, compliant, and effective operations. Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of end-to-end operational launch processes in collaboration with customers, ensuring alignment with range capabilities and launch campaign requirements
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive operational documentation, including Launch Management Plans, Integrated Countdown Procedures, and Return & Recovery Plans
• Provide inputs for all necessary secondary technical approvals (e.g. explosives licensing, ACMA radio communications, CASA airspace access) in support of compliant operations
• Liaise with internal teams, regulatory bodies and various stakeholders to ensure all activities meet safety, security, and compliance obligations under relevant legislation and industry codes.
• Design and implement on-range security plans, integrating physical security, access controls, and emergency response procedures.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the customer and Southern Launch operations team, ensuring effective schedule coordination, proactive risk mitigation, and clear, consistent communication throughout the entire campaign lifecycle.

About you

We are proud of the diversity of experience within our team and will be encouraged by what you can bring to this position. We are initially looking for:

• Experience developing or managing launch campaigns or other high-compliance technical operations
• Strong capability in operational planning, risk assessment, and process design
• Technical writing expertise for procedures, safety plans, and regulatory documentation
• In-depth understanding of aerospace systems, regulatory environments, and launch operations
• Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders and coordinate with regulatory bodies (e.g. CASA, ACMA)
• Detail-focused, structured problem-solver with strong communication and coordination skills

This position requires you to hold and maintain a valid Australian Defence Security Clearance.