Program Director - Hypersonic Vehicle

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