Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
To achieve these great efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Program Director with at least 20 years of relevant experience. This visible leadership role is responsible for the successful execution of complex, multi-disciplinary programs, including strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership, and is responsible for all aspects of program delivery and organizational growth. The role spans the design and development, manufacturing, and flight test of a fleet of next-generation reusable hypersonic test vehicles. A candidate for this role must be comfortable leading cross-functional teams in a strong matrixed environment, driving the execution of a high-complexity technical project. A strong candidate will have a strong sense of urgency and will be able to make difficult programmatic decisions in an environment where not all the desired information is available.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership
- Lead strategic program initiatives and present clear and concise information in executive forums, customer engagements, and internal leadership meetings
- Mentor, coach, and develop program managers and team leads across the program
Program Oversight & Execution
- Oversee execution of multiple, concurrent programs with full responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction
- Own and maintain a positive customer relationship by producing results
- Drive the adoption of advanced program management processes, tools, and best practices
- Make high-impact decisions affecting program direction, resource allocation, and risk posture
- Lead program forecasting and budgeting activities, ensuring accurate financial planning and alignment with organizational goals
- Manage revenue recognition and contract invoicing processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and timely billing
- Monitor and report on program financial performance, proactively addressing variances and risks
Strategic Planning & Business Growth
- Partner with executive leadership and department heads to define long-term program strategies, business plans, and growth opportunities
- Lead the development of new business proposals, capture strategies, and customer engagement plans
- Identify and pursue opportunities for program expansion, technology insertion, and process improvement
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers, government agencies, and strategic partners
- Negotiate complex contracts, manage high-level customer relationships, and ensure alignment with customer objectives and expectations
Risk, Compliance & Governance
- Oversee program risk management, compliance, and governance activities, including classified program execution and security requirements
- Proactively manage risk by developing risk mitigation plans and driving technical risks to closure with a high sense of urgency
- Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards
Organizational Leadership
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, procurement, finance, legal) to ensure seamless program execution
- Champion overall team growth and development, including talent acquisition, onboarding, training, and professional advancement
- Develop and manage senior-level talent pipelines and succession planning to support long-term organizational objectives
- Promote team engagement, collaboration, and high performance through effective communication and recognition programs
- Implement organizational development initiatives to enhance team capabilities and drive business results
Reporting & Communication
- Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to the C-suite and Board of Directors
- Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders
Travel
- Domestic and occasional international travel as-required to support program and company objectives
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in technical and/or program management, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal-level leadership role within aerospace, defense, or high-technology sectors
- A strong sense of urgency, with the ability to make tough decisions in a technical environment
- Demonstrated success managing large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs with annual budgets >$100M
- Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration, and ground systems
- Proven track record of technical leadership, including oversight of subcontractors and prototype/low-rate production
- Advanced risk management expertise and experience with classified programs
- Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS (Top Secret) security clearance
- Demonstrated ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and drive organizational change
Preferred
- Airbreathing propulsion technology and hypersonic vehicle development experience
- Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors
- Air-launch, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft integration program experience
- Large transport category or military aircraft operations experience
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification
- Experience with classified program execution and secure environments
Required Computer Skills
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- MS Project and other advanced project management tools
Education & Experience
- Sr. Principal-level ($192,500-$235,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher and 15+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Director, Program Management ($214,000-$250,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher and 15+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in Engineering, Business Management/Administration, or related discipline from an accredited institution
- Master’s degree or higher preferred
Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable
- Supporting flight test often means contributing during off-nominal hours and weekends
- All candidates are expected to be onsite in Mojave >= 80% of normal work days
- Travel estimated to be approximately 10% or less
- This position is located in Mojave, CA
- Relocation eligible to local area
- 9/80 schedule
Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s):
- Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
- 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
- Tuition reimbursement
This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Staff level: 8-12 years of relevant program management experience
- Principal level: 12+ years of relevant program management experience
- Senior Principal level: 15+ years of relevant program management experience
- Knowledge of and experience with certified and experimental heavy aircraft
- Experience with flight or launch vehicle testing, aircraft maintenance, heavy aircraft integration and testing, or flight-test scheduling and cost tracking
- Experience leading engineers, technicians, testers, and customers to deliver flight-ready aircraft
- Experience developing schedules and managing teams toward challenging test goals
- Experience with program financial analysis, variance analysis, and forecasting
- Experience driving risks and issues to closure
- Ability to develop and analyze data and present findings to customers and management
- Strong analytical problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks according to business goals
- Ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance
Stratolaunch Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Stratolaunch and has not been reviewed or approved by Stratolaunch.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Fair & Transparent Compensation: Pay is considered competitive for many roles, with posted ranges for engineers and specialized hourly positions that indicate robust bands. Public self-reported packages also point to strong totals for some technical titles.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare Strength: Coverage includes multiple PPO/HMO options with HSA/HRA support and employer seeding, plus a monthly health-club reimbursement. These elements indicate comprehensive medical choices accompanied by meaningful wellness perks.
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Retirement Support — Retirement Support: A 401(k) program offers a company match up to an annual cap with a two‑year vesting schedule. This structure stands out as a meaningful long‑term savings benefit.
Stratolaunch Insights
What We Do
Stratolaunch LLC designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to fulfill several important national needs, including the need to significantly advance U.S. hypersonic flight test capabilities and help improve the nation’s ability to design and operate cutting edge hypersonic vehicles. Our hypersonic testbeds will provide customizable, reusable, and affordable access to the Mach 5+ flight regime. We are delivering the world’s premiere hypersonic flight test services.
Why Work With Us
We offer customers the ability to perform risk reduction via affordable and routine flight test for their critical technologies. We offer an operationally realistic environment, enabling us to test in the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes. With our reusable and low-cost system, customers can rapidly iterate the design of their t
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