Deputy Director, Stratospheric Operations

Location: Remote with up to 20% travel within the continental U.S.

About Near Space Labs

Near Space Labs is leading the next generation of Earth imaging. We design, build, and operate a fleet of proprietary stratospheric balloons called Swiftys. Our Swiftys fly to the edge of space to deliver high-quality, updated imagery of our planet.

Stratospheric Operations is a fast-paced, growing organization responsible for operating and launching our fleet of Swiftys throughout the U.S. to meet our customers' imaging and data needs.

About the Role

The Deputy Director, Stratospheric Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for assisting in building and scaling a nationwide high-altitude operations organization with the Senior Director. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Stratospheric Operations, this role will act as the second-in-command, ensuring efficient data collection across the country while rapidly growing the team to support our operational goals. They will collaborate closely with the Senior Director to set strategy, grow the team, streamline processes, and drive operational excellence.

This position will oversee the Field Operations Teams and Mission Control Team. Immediate focus for this role will be to execute efficient and quick hiring, ensuring a fully capable team is in place by the second half of 2025, ensuring the workforce is well-prepared and operation processes are standardized. They will play a key role in solving issues as they arise within both Mission Control and Field Operations, requiring an experienced systems thinker and problem solver.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $130,000 - $150,000 salary range;
• 25 days annual Paid Time Off;
• 10 days annual sick leave;
• 401k Plan with company match;
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage;
• Opportunity for equity; and
• Training and development, as well as opportunities to grow within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Scale a nationwide operation built of both salary and hourly workforce, ensuring structured and efficient hiring processes.
• Build and refine the operational framework necessary to sustain rapid expansion while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Work directly with the Senior Director of Stratospheric Operations to shape organizational strategy and long-term growth plans.
• Assist in the development of policies, procedures, and programs to maintain operational standards and improve processes across the organization.
• Oversee Mission Control and Field Operations, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of high-altitude data collection.
• Act as the primary problem solver for operational challenges, providing support for day-to-day operations.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, regulatory, and flight operations teams to ensure mission success.
• Implement performance metrics and accountability systems for operational efficiency.
• Develop and analyze confidential reports and managerial studies to present recommendations to senior leadership, driving informed decision-making.
• Develop a strong understanding of Swifty technology and its operational requirements.
• Ensure that Mission Control operations align with regulatory standards and airspace requirements.
• Work with the FAA and other federal entities as needed to maintain compliance and streamline operations.
• Lead the hiring and onboarding of a rapidly growing team across multiple locations.
• Enhance, Develop and implement training programs to ensure workforce readiness and operational excellence.
• Drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Ensure standardization of operations and training across Mission Control and Field Operations.

 

Requirements

• Grown a multi-state/national/remote operations team inclusive of an hourly workforce.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Ability to travel within the U.S. and abroad.
• Bachelor's degree in STEM, Business, or a related field, demonstrating a strong educational background or significant on-job experience.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, team-building, and people management skills.
• Proven experience growing and managing a large-scale nationwide operation with an hourly workforce.
• Strong operational leadership experience, ideally in a high-growth environment.
• Ability to understand and oversee highly technical systems and apply that knowledge to mission control and field operations.
• Experience interacting with federal agencies (FAA preferred) or working within a regulated environment.
• Ability to scale teams quickly, ensuring the right hiring and operational processes are in place.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle issues in real-time.
• Excellent strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• MBA or Master’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years managing complex, multi-disciplinary, fast-paced aerospace projects/programs.
• Experience in leading operations in a rapidly scaling organization.
• Experience working with government regulators like the FAA.
• Previous experience with FARs, specifically Part 101. 
• Technical understanding of software-embedded hardware.
• Previous experience with federal contracts or regulatory compliance.
  
  

Work Schedule Commitment

This position operates primarily on a Monday through Friday schedule. However, occasional weekend and holiday work will be required based on team needs. Flexibility is key, as this role supports a dynamic team managing operations seven days a week.

Why Join Us?

This is an unparalleled opportunity to help shape the future of Stratospheric Operations, directly impacting the success of a cutting-edge, fast-growing organization. You will play a key leadership role in building a national team, ensuring operational excellence, and scaling a mission-critical function.

If you thrive in high-growth environments, have a passion for technology-driven operations, and want to make a tangible impact in a pioneering organization, we want to hear from you!

Inclusivity Statement

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Near Space Labs, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.