Location: Canada (Relocation Support Available)

About The Opportunity

Our client is building a next-generation orbital launch capability and is looking for an experienced Head of Flight Safety to establish and lead the Flight Safety function.

This is a rare opportunity to own the safety strategy for an entirely new launch vehicle programme, taking responsibility from early vehicle development through to launch operations. You'll work across propulsion, avionics, GNC, structures, systems engineering and flight software to ensure safety is embedded throughout the programme while enabling rapid development and successful launch operations.

The Role

As Head of Flight Safety, you'll be responsible for developing the organisation's flight safety philosophy, regulatory strategy and technical safety case.

You'll build the Flight Safety organisation from the ground up, creating the processes, methodologies and engineering culture required to support a modern launch programme while acting as the primary technical authority for vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall Flight Safety strategy across the launch vehicle programme. Own the complete vehicle safety case, including hazard analysis, probabilistic risk assessments and system safety activities. Lead Failure Modes, Effects & Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), debris modelling and casualty expectation assessments. Define Flight Termination System (FTS) requirements in partnership with avionics and flight software teams. Develop operational safety plans covering engine testing, launch campaigns and hazardous operations. Lead interactions with regulatory authorities, licensing organisations and range operators. Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure safety requirements are incorporated into vehicle design without unnecessarily impacting development schedules. Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action activities. Build, mentor and grow the Flight Safety team while establishing engineering standards and best practices.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced aerospace safety leader who has operated within high-consequence flight environments and understands both the technical and regulatory aspects of launch safety.

You'll Likely Bring

10+ years' experience in Flight Safety, Range Safety, Mission Assurance or System Safety Engineering. Experience supporting launch vehicles, missile systems or other complex aerospace programmes. Strong knowledge of range safety regulations and industry standards. Hands-on experience with: Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) FMECA Debris and trajectory modelling Casualty expectation analysis Experience defining or supporting Flight Termination Systems. Previous experience building or leading engineering teams. Ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering organisations and work across hardware, software and systems teams. Desirable Experience

Launch campaign or test range safety experience. Experience with safety modelling and simulation tools. Familiarity with defence, government or civil space regulatory environments. Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.

Why Apply?

This is a genuine opportunity to shape the Flight Safety function from day one within an ambitious launch programme. You'll have significant technical ownership, influence vehicle architecture from the earliest stages, build your own team, and play a critical role in enabling future launch operations.

If you're looking for a position where your decisions directly impact the success and safety of a next-generation launch vehicle, we'd be interested in speaking with you.