Maintenance Controller (Aerospace)

Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Company

hirify.global develops sustainable space transportation technologies across in-space propulsion, in-space servicing, and reusable spaceplane operations.

What you will do

• Lead pre- and post-flight spaceplane activities, ground operations, crew coordination, task allocation, and operational issue resolution.
• Oversee scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of the Mk-II Aurora and ensure defects are investigated and rectified before flight release.
• Develop and implement the aircraft Maintenance Programme, maintenance procedures, standards, and configuration-control processes.
• Conduct release-to-service activities and oversee continuing airworthiness, facilities, tooling, equipment, and maintenance records.
• Coordinate with design engineers, flight crew, operators, regulators, contractors, and commercial customers on maintenance and payload procedures.
• Develop maintenance training materials, issue staff authorisations, and monitor the quality and competency of maintenance personnel.

Requirements

• Strong organisational, communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with uncrewed aircraft maintenance practices and standards.
• Prior experience with CAA Part 102 or equivalent uncrewed aircraft maintenance standards.
• Ability to establish systems and processes from first principles while maintaining safe day-to-day operations.
• Experience engaging external stakeholders such as aerodrome owners, regulators, contractors, customers, and operators.
• Experience in an R&D or flight test environment is preferred.

Nice to have

• Strong interest in aerospace, flight testing, or novel technology.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on reusable rocket-powered spaceplanes and the transition to frequent, routine spaceflight operations.
• Inclusive environment supporting people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• International teams distributed across the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.
• Opportunity to shape maintenance standards, processes, and culture for a new class of aerospace vehicle.