About Phantom

At Phantom Space Corporation, we provide a rare opportunity to join a startup founded by people who are passionate about what they do. We are seeking like-minded people who inspire others with their drive, determination, and unshakable work ethic, to join our team. 

About the Role

The Vice President, Flight Operations is responsible for supporting Phantom’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) in the leadership of safe and efficient execution of company’s test/launch activities including range/spaceport collaboration, regulatory requirements, and test/mission control site operations. This hands-on leadership role creates, advocates, and implements solutions to complex company test/launch challenges in a manner that properly balances and advances operational, technical, regulatory, and business interests and requirements. The position provides team leadership, inter-department and executive collaboration, strategic stakeholder relations, and stakeholder coordination along with expert-level domain knowledge and individual contribution to execute company’s space system operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Leadership

• Manages assigned staff and provides leadership across the launch/test operations team to create an efficient, collaborative, and effective team
• Expertly manages multiple projects and mentors/coaches team on project execution on behalf of the COO, including adherence to schedule, performance, resources, and budget constraints
• Team management: utilizes team members to fullest potential, encourages collaboration, mitigates conflict, fosters positive communication, acknowledgement and appreciation
• Provides leadership and proven methodologies to enforce standards and minimize risks
• Communicates relevant information to appropriate parties, resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion
• Tracks lessons learned and shares evaluation with team members when appropriate
• Works closely with COO and team leadership to ensure staff are properly trained on company procedures, regulatory and compliance protocols and are compliant with company, industry, and government launch rules, regulations, and procedures
• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation and enforcement of safety practices to ensure personnel safety and launch/test site safety protocols are in place and followed

Strategy

• Implements a multi-prong strategy and industry-leading concepts to develop an agile and resilient portfolio of domestic and international launch sites to meet customer launch needs and provide Phantom near and long-term business growth
• Works closely with COO to identify and address industry trends and ensure company’s approaches to test/launch operations provide competitive advantage and best-in-class services
• Formulates, advocates, and implements new space launch operational approaches that advance the industry to make space transportation commonplace
• Leads functions assigned by the COO and provides senior-level advice and subject matter expertise to the COO for test/launch operational challenges and opportunities

Implementation

• Secures launch licenses from relevant bodies of authorities including, but not limited to, FAA, US Space Force, NOAA, FCC, other US agency approvals, and foreign launch authorities for Phantom launch sites
• Reviews, approves, and drafts content (as needed) of operational procedures and policies for test, launch, and on-orbit operations
• Reviews, approves, and provides content (as needed) for range/spaceport approvals and FAA licensing documentation, including safety (e.g., MSPSP, GOP, 91-710T, etc.), requirements (e.g., UDS, RCC), regulations (e.g., Part 450), and compliance other federal, state and local laws
• Drafts briefings, proposals, reports, and similar documentation to expertly convey concepts, ideas and approaches to inform and influence stakeholder
• Serve in on-console test/launch operational positions, as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• 15 years’ experience and leadership roles in aerospace industry, including launch system operations and safety; spaceport/range experience highly desired
• 8 years’ experience managing space system-related programs; launch systems preferred
• Experience working around and with launch system hardware, including ground and flight systems; experience within a launch service provider preferred
• Keen understanding of DoD and FAA launch operations requirements and expectations
• Experience meeting FAA and DoD safety regulations/expectations for launch systems
• Experience drafting and implementing space operations procedures, including operational checklists, contingency operations, and mishap/anomaly procedures and reporting
• Previously certified to conduct on-console operations for test/launch operations; orbital launch operations preferred; Launch Director, Launch Conductor, or similar experience highly desired
• Proven self-starter with an entrepreneur mindset
• Strong reputation of collaboration and innovation, and a proven track record of performance
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse multidisciplinary teams of employees, suppliers, government personnel, and consultants to achieve objectives in highly dynamic environments
• Demonstrated ability to be resourceful, innovative, and agile with emphasis on identifying and quickly resolving problems in operational settings
• Internal drive and desire to continue to learn, grow, teach/mentor, and do mighty things
• Must be equally comfortable working with company executives, government personnel, and in-the-field operations

Location

• Position is based out of Tucson, Arizona, some travel will be required

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Phantom, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Salary and Benefits

We are competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have competitive benefits that include health, vision, dental, 401K in comparison to other startups.

ITAR Requirements

This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.