{"id":1718410,"url":"https://alion.io/job/stratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing","title":"Program Manager - Manufacturing, Talon Vehicle","company":{"id":445024,"name":"Stratolaunch","domain":"stratolaunch.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/stratolaunch","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":95,"open_postings":32,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":112,"computed_at":"2026-10-12T06:55:09Z"}},"role":"Management","role_family":"Management","seniority":"staff","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Mojave, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":116000,"max_usd":220000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":789},"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-02T15:40:51Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-06","last_verified_at":"2026-10-13T01:48:57Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":10,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":10},"description":"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.\nTo support these advanced development efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Staff Program Manager -Manufacturing with 10-15 years of relevant experience in fast-paced, highly technical aerospace or defense environments. This role focuses on planning, coordinating, and executing prototype manufacturing activities, with a particular emphasis on low-rate developmental production (1-2 units per year).\nThe ideal candidate thrives in rapid-iteration environments, integrates technical and manufacturing inputs effectively, and ensures prototype hardware is built, controlled, and delivered on schedule while meeting stringent technical requirements. A strong candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex prototype builds with evolving requirements.\n\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities\nLeadership & Cross-Functional Integration\nServe as the program lead for prototype manufacturing activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and test\nDrive strong communication and alignment across technical, operational, and programmatic stakeholders\nMentor junior program staff and contribute to improving prototype build processes and organizational best practices\nPrototype Manufacturing Execution\nDevelop and maintain the integrated prototype build plan, incorporating scope, configuration requirements, and cross-functional inputs; manage program-level cost, schedule, risk, and delivery impacts resulting from changing technical inputs\nCoordinate manufacturing readiness efforts for developmental systems, including tooling, work instructions, configuration management, and build sequencing\nIntegrate cross-functional readiness inputs for developmental builds into the prototype build plan; track associated actions, risks, dependencies, milestones, and program impacts\nIntegrate functional improvement plans and prototype-build lessons learned into the program plan to inform future builds, reduce program schedule risk, and support maturation of critical build processes\nLead resolution of prototype manufacturing challenges, including supply-chain constraints, integration issues, and late-stage engineering changes\nCost, Schedule & Program Performance\nDevelop and maintain the integrated prototype build schedule and cost plan, including labor-hour and resource forecasts, aligned with functional plans and delivery commitments\nIdentify and manage risks to cost, schedule, and technical performance; implement mitigation plans\nSupport earned-value processes, cost reporting, and forecasting appropriate for developmental manufacturing programs\nEnsure alignment between prototype build plans and overall program strategy\nTechnical Support & Build Quality\nPartner with engineering to ensure prototype designs are producible, testable, and properly documented\nIntegrate functional quality, acceptance, and documentation plans into the prototype build plan; track associated readiness, risks, and delivery impacts\nCoordinate design iterations and prototype updates with functional stakeholders, integrating configuration, traceability, compliance, and build-plan impacts\nCustomer, Stakeholder & Contract Support\nSupport customer-facing reviews, progress briefings, and discussions related to prototype status or manufacturing risks\nEnsure prototype build activities comply with contractual and regulatory requirements, including government reporting when applicable\nCollaborate with Contracts, Finance, and Supply Chain to support modifications, scope changes, and resource planning\nRisk Management & Compliance\nLead identification and mitigation of manufacturing risks related to prototype complexity, supply-chain delays, or evolving technical requirements\nEnsure compliance with export control laws, quality standards, and government contract provisions\nCommunicate build progress, delivery schedules, and manufacturing challenges clearly and proactively to program leadership\nSupport classified program discussions as required\nTravel\nDomestic travel as required to support program and business objectives\nRequired Qualifications\nExperience in aerospace or defense program management, manufacturing, or development environments\nDemonstrated success leading prototype or early development manufacturing efforts\nExperience managing low-rate builds (1-2 units per year) or similar small-batch, high-complexity manufacturing\nStrong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent experience)\nAbility to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex hardware builds with evolving scope\nAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearance\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience with hypersonic systems, flight vehicles, or propulsion-related manufacturing\nExperience in rapid prototyping, developmental test programs, or engineering-driven iteration cycles\nFamiliarity with EVMS, government contract requirements, or CDRL deliverables\nLean or process-improvement experience for prototype or low-rate production\nEducation and Experience\nStaff-level ($134,000-$158,600): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Technical Management, or related field and 10-15 years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience\nSpecial remarks regarding work environment, if applicable\nThis position is located in Mojave, CA\nRelocation eligible to local area\nTravel estimated to be approximately 10% or less\n9/80 schedule\nBase 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.\nBenefits and our location(s) : \nHealthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)\nPaid Maternity and Parental Leave\n50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500\nTuition reimbursement\nThis position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.\nMojave 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. \nNot 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. \nFood 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.\nStratolaunch 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.\nEqual Employment Opportunity is the Law :\nhttps://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf","description_format":"text","description_chars":8452,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":10,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Parental leave"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":true,"industries":["Space Services","Defense Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-02T19:46:41Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":86,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.86,"p_room":1,"age_days":9,"expected_fill_days":112,"reasons":["conf:1","win:early"],"computed_at":"2026-10-12T06:55:09Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/stratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/stratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-13T04:26:34Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":6941,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-14T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":445024},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=445024"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fstratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fstratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fstratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/stratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fstratolaunch-program-manager-manufacturing"}]}