Director of Regulatory Affairs & Spaceflight Compliance

About Us

Maritime Launch Services is a Canadian owned commercial space company building Spaceport Nova Scotia near the communities of Canso, Hazel Hill and Little Dover in the Municipality of Guysborough, Nova Scotia with our head office based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Our mission is to deliver satellite launch services that strengthen Canada's position in the global space economy and enable sovereign access to space.

 

We are now entering an exciting phase of growth, moving from planning to sustained delivery; scaling the organization, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for ongoing launch operations. If you are motivated by ambitious, nation building work and want to help create something that has never existed in Canada before, this is the moment to join.

Maritime Launch is a public company trading on the Cboe CA under the ticker MAXQ.

 

Job Description

The Director of Regulatory Affairs & Spaceflight Compliance will play a critical leadership role in helping shape Canada’s future spaceflight regulatory framework while ensuring Spaceport Nova Scotia remains compliant, mission ready, and positioned to support commercial and government launch activities.

 

Reporting to the VP of Spaceport Operations, this is not a traditional policy or civil service regulatory role. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on operational experience from the commercial spaceflight, defense, aviation, military or other mission-critical industries, with the ability to translate emerging regulatory frameworks into practical launch operations.

 

This role will lead regulatory strategy, licensing and compliance activities, support engagement with Transport Canada and other government stakeholders, oversee environmental compliance functions and coordinate operational readiness and tabletop exercises to support safe and reliable launch operations from Canada.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

 

Regulatory Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of Spaceport Nova Scotia’s regulatory and licensing strategy.
• Manage compliance with current Canadian high-powered rocketry requirements and support the transition toward orbital launch licensing.
• Prepare and coordinate future orbital launch licence applications and supporting documentation through the Transport Canada processes.
• Develop regulatory roadmaps, compliance frameworks and operational approval pathways for spaceport activities.
• Maintain awareness of evolving domestic and international launch regulations and assess impacts to operations.

Government & Regulator Engagement

• Serve as the primary interface with Transport Canada and other regulatory stakeholders.
• Support the development of Canada’s emerging commercial space launch regulatory framework by providing feedback, technical input and industry recommendations.
• Coordinate engagement with the federal, provincial, municipal, defence, aviation, maritime and environmental agencies.
• Support consultations, working groups and regulatory reviews related to Canadian commercial launch activities.
• Build strong relationships with government, industry associations, local community stakeholders, and international regulatory counterparts.

Operational Integration

• Work closely with Spaceport Operations, Safety, Mission Operations, Security and Engineering teams to ensure regulatory requirements are integrated into operational planning.
• Support launch campaign approvals, notification, hazard area coordination and operations compliance activities.
• Assist launch customers in understanding and navigating Canadian regulatory requirements.
• Support development of internal policies, procedures, manuals, and audit processes.
• Develop and lead training and readiness exercises, including tabletop training events, that involve all stakeholders to support launch readiness and continuous improvement.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, provincial and municipal environmental legislation, permits, approvals and reporting obligations.

Policy & Industry Leadership

• Monitor international best practices across commercial spaceports and launch jurisdictions including the United States, Europe and Australia.
• Contribute to strategic positioning of Spaceport Nova Scotia as a trusted, safe, and internationally competitive launch site.
• Support executive leadership with regulatory risk assessments, policy briefings, and stakeholder communications.
• Represent the organization at industry forums, conference and Government meetings as required.

Essential Qualifications

 

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, engineering, law, public policy, aviation management or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, space, aviation, defence, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies and government stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of compliance management and regulatory processes.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and cross-functional programs.
• Excellent written communication and policy drafting skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a face-paced and evolving regulatory environment.

 

Preferred Skills and Experience

 

• Experience with spaceflight regulation, launch licencing or range operations.
• Familiarity with Transport Canada, FAA (Part 450), or UK CAA, or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Experience supporting safety, mission assurance, or operational certification activities.
• Understanding of aviation, marine, environmental and defence coordination requirements associated with launch operations.
• Experience contributing to policy or regulatory development initiatives.

Additional Requirements

• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required to support launch operations and mission readiness activities.
• Willingness to travel to and from the Spaceport Nova Scotia site and other operational locations as required.
• Ability to apply for, or maintain, Security Clearances.
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Additional Information

At Maritime Launch Services, you'll be part of something truly groundbreaking. Here's what you can look forward to when you join our team:

 

Contribute to the Future of Canada's Aerospace Industry

• As part of Canada’s first commercial spaceport operator, you’ll play a role in advancing the nation’s aerospace sector. Join a company that’s pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and building a legacy in Canadian space technology.

 

Help Build the Financial Foundation of a Growing Company

• This role offers a rare opportunity to help shape and mature the finance function of a rapidly growing public company during a critical phase of expansion.

 

Make a Meaningful Impact in Rural Nova Scotia

• Your work will contribute to real economic development within Canso and surrounding communities, helping shape sustainable opportunities and growth for the region.

 

Work With a Collaborative and Passionate Team

• We’re a group of people who genuinely enjoy working together. You’ll be supported by colleagues who are dynamic, mission driven, and dedicated to achieving big goals.

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

• Competitive salary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance, parental leave benefits, and various other benefits.
• Hybrid workplace to support your best work-life balance.

 

Our Commitment to Employment Equity and Diversity

 

Maritime Launch Services is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, members of racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices and creating a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment where every employee can thrive.

 

Join with us and make history in Canada’s space industry! Submit your application today.

 

To apply to this posting, please send your cover letter and resume to hr@maritimelaunch.com

 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.