Launch Program Director

The Wohl Group; Markham; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a qualified individual to lead launch system development in Markham, Ontario. This full-time role involves managing assembly, operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance, collaborating across teams to achieve program objectives. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in launch vehicle operations, effective communication skills, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. A salary range of 120-160k CAD plus equity is offered with occasional travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in launch system development and operations.
• Proven track record leading design, integration, and operations of launch vehicles.
• Hands-on experience managing vehicle assembly and test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead the flow-down of launch program business objectives.
• Manage high-velocity, iterative design-build-test cycles.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to identify joint development opportunities.

Skills

Leadership in launch system development

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Systems engineering tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the flow-down of launch program business objectives to systems-level engineering requirements and be accountable for the development lifecycle, budget, schedule and resourcing of our orbital launch vehicles and launch site.
• Foster an agile, process-driven culture and manage high-velocity, iterative design-build-test cycles to accelerate program maturity across all subsystem teams simultaneously and cohesively — propulsion, avionics, GN&C, structures, fluid systems, etc.
• Drive the practice of cross-functional technical and readiness reviews (SRR, SDR, CDR, FRR), hardware qualification, and acceptance testing across engineering teams to ensure systems meet program objectives and mission assurance standards.
• Lead overall direction of launch site planning and operations, including infrastructure commissioning, range coordination, and regulatory readiness, interfacing with relevant internal and external stakeholders to meet program objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams across engineering, manufacturing, sales & marketing, regulatory affairs, finance and people operations to ensure alignment of strategy and execution towards the program objectives.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including customers, partners, suppliers, and government, to identify joint development opportunities and advance program objectives.
• Champion our launch initiatives with government, regulators, and community, ensuring strong engagement, alignment and public support.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in launch system development and operations within orbital or suborbital programs.
• Proven track record leading design, integration, and operations of liquid bipropellant launch vehicles or equivalent space systems.
• Demonstrated leadership through multiple flight campaigns or full lifecycle development programs—from concept to launch execution.
• System-engineering understanding of propulsion, stage integration, GN&C, avionics, and ground support systems.
• Hands-on experience managing vehicle assembly, integration, and static or hot-fire test campaigns, ideally in a launch or test range environment.
• Proven ability to direct teams in rapid iteration environments balancing performance, safety, and program goals.
• Solid foundation in launch operations protocols, range safety standards, countdown procedures, and recovery coordination.
• Skilled in using systems engineering tools for requirements management, test verification, configuration control, and anomaly resolution.
• Strong familiarity with regulatory and safety compliance, including FAA, Transport Canada or other relevant national-body launch licensing frameworks.
• Effective communicator capable of managing cross-sector stakeholder relationships—technical, governmental, and community-focused.
• Strongly preferred: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent leader-level experience strongly preferred.
• Highly valued: Leadership and on-console experience at SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace, or within comparable new space launch development environments.
• Results-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings initiative and creativity to the team.

All roles are full-time in-person at our Markham, Ontario location or our St. John's, Newfoundland location. Occasional travel to Ottawa, Ontario and St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, will be required.

Salary Range:120-160k base + equity

***Only qualified candidates who meet all of the requirements will be contacted for interviews.