Job Title

About the companySouthern Launch offers bespoke space mission services fromtwo 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 roleThe Recovery Lead is responsible for planning and leading safe, compliant recovery operations across Southern Launch missions, including launch and return activities. The role owns recovery readiness, develops mission-specific recovery plans, and leads on-site recovery operations in remote, high-risk environments.Working closely with mission teams, aviation partners, and external stakeholders, the Recovery Lead ensures recovery activities are executed safely, effectively, and in accordance with regulatory, environmental, and cultural requirements. Responsibilities include:Own Recovery & Response Plans across all missions and launch sites, including mission-specific procedures, checklists, and equipment lists.Participate in mission readiness reviews, providing recovery assessments, identifying constraints, and confirming operational readiness.Conduct pre-mission hazard assessments covering terrain, weather, cultural heritage, environmental risks, and aviation access requirements.Coordinate third parties to ensure recovery operations are appropriately resourced and ready for execution.Lead on-site recovery operations, ensuring safety, clear task allocation, and compliance with approved procedures.Coordinate recovery teams, pilots, recovery officers, cultural monitors, and stakeholders during field operations.Manage on-site hazards and enforce PPE, environmental, biosecurity, and site access controls.Oversee make-safe activities by authorised technical personnel where required.Act as the primary point of contact for all recovery-related operational communications during a campaign.Produce post-recovery reports and maintain accurate logs, photographs, and geospatial data to meet regulatory and stakeholder requirements.Maintain recovery equipment and systems, conduct operational readiness checks, and ensure inventories meet campaign requirements.About youWe 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:Strong situational awareness with a safety-first approach in high-risk, remote environments.Proven leadership of small teams during complex field and mission operations.Clear, calm, and effective communicator under pressure with multiple stakeholders.Demonstrated capability in operational planning, coordination, and execution.Confident interpreting maps, GPS and terrain data, and working with aircraft operators and complex field logistics.This position requires you to hold and maintain a valid Australian Defence Security Clearance.