Director of Space Directorate
$134,567 - $161,521 (EL 2) + Super
Melbourne CBD - VIC


The Role
The Director of the Space Directorate (DSpace) is responsible to the Director General of Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) for supporting DASA's role as the independent Defence space safety regulator. DSpace is primarily responsible for the development of space safety regulation, guidance and promotion material, implementing an assurance regime, undertaking reviews of applications for space and high power rocket licences and permits, and work with relevant DASA Directorates to develop a space accident and incident investigation capability. The Director leads a small direct team and other external matrixed members providing subject matter expert support.

Specific duties of the position include:

• Leading the strategic development and management of DASA's Space Directorate
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external and internal stakeholders and staff including, Defence units, Defence industry, other Commonwealth and State government departments and international civil and military space organisations
• Developing space regulations and policy, while implementing associated education and promotion programs
• Establishing a space safety regulator certification and authorisation capability
• Creating and implementing a space safety regulator Oversight and Enforcement (O&E) capability and program
• Managing and supporting a high performing team to execute actions in support of the DASA Strategy.

About our Team
The Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) is responsible for enhancing and promoting the safety of military aviation through the implementation of a Defence Aviation Safety Program that promotes a generative safety culture and independently assures the effective management of Defence aviation safety risks. 

DASA is a complex organisation consisting of Headquarters (HQ) elements, a Flight Safety Bureau and five community facing Directorates providing aviation safety assurance and specialist engineering services to the Defence Aviation and Space community. The organisation has a strength of over 250 personnel, made up of Australian Defence Force members and Australian Public Servants, and is physically located in Melbourne VIC, Canberra ACT, and Amberley QLD. The Space directorate is based in Melbourne.

Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate must be a team player with excellent engineering and communication skills. To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate relevant expertise and experience:

• At least 10 years of combined technical experience in the aviation or space sector (inclusive of high powered rocket / guided weapons areas)
• Proven ability to lead and shape strategic thinking, particularly with respect to developing and managing functions of an aerospace safety regulator
• Demonstrated ability to design strategy for improvement, and lead consequent organisational change through continuous improvement
• Demonstrated project management experience of complex technical or regulatory development activities
• An awareness of the Space Launches and Returns Act 2018
• Proven ability to lead and mentor people in a dynamic environment
• Proven ability to successfully deliver technical programs, in a complex organisational structure
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills and abilities, with a proven record in cultivating productive working relationships with Defence, Industry and other Government stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.