Development Program Manager

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

50% company match to 401(k) savings plan

Job summary

Stratolaunch is looking for a Development Program Manager in Mojave, CA. This role leads integrated product teams throughout the program life cycle, focusing on aerospace program management and stakeholder communication. Candidates should have a degree in Business Management or Engineering and experience in aerospace leadership. The position offers benefits like paid parental leave and a 401(k) savings plan contribution. Frequent travel may be required as part of the job.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of aerospace program management, personnel management, and aircraft systems.
• Experience with technical aerospace leadership and prototype manufacturing.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance at the TS level.

Responsibilities

• Lead an integrated product team through the full program life cycle.
• Develop budgets and schedules for managing assigned programs.
• Evaluate risks and mitigation plans to determine adequacy and effectiveness.

Skills

Aerospace program management

Subcontracts and procurement

Analytical problem-solving

Risk management

Facilitation skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) in Business Management, Business Administration, or Engineering

Job 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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Development Program Manager. The role reports to the Program Element / Development Program Manager and involves execution of programs/projects that will integrate into the broader Talon‑A Launch System. You will interface with internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis, help develop requirements, manage schedules, and provide updates. You will collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, operations, the contracts team, and the hypersonic vehicle program management team to ensure customer needs are translated into program planning tools and flight manifests.

Responsibilities

• Lead an integrated product team through the full program life cycle
• Develop budgets and schedules for managing assigned programs
• Responsible for cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction
• Make final decisions that affect cost and/or schedule constraints
• Implement program management tools to facilitate program execution
• Contribute to developing statements of work, establishing program review gates, setting milestones with applicable entry and exit criteria, and evaluating subcontractor capabilities
• Work with the procurement team to ensure subcontractors deliver products on deadline and within budget
• Evaluate risks and mitigation plans to determine adequacy and effectiveness
• Lead the creation of proposals
• Contribute to the company business plan with forecasts of schedule, budget, and personnel
• Maintain regular and comprehensive communication with the Sr. Programs Manager
• Travel, as needed, to support the company and program
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Qualifications

Required

• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration, ground systems
• Experience with technical aerospace leadership and working with subcontractors
• Experience with prototype manufacturing or low‑rate production
• Experience with risk management
• Facilitation skills and ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to gain support or resolve concerns
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills and ability to implement sound critical thinking
• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritize tasks to fit within business goals
• Ability to obtain a security clearance at the TS level
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment

Preferred

• Experience with government agencies (customers and regulatory)
• Experience with air‑launch programs
• Launch vehicle and/or aircraft integration experience
• Large transport category or military aircraft operations experience
• Experience with classified programs and working in a classified environment
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Education & Experience

• Senior Program Manager: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) or higher in Business Management, Business Administration, or Engineering from an accredited institution and 5–10 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination
• Staff Program Manager: same degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination

Location

• Position is located in Mojave, CA
• Semi‑frequent travel required to domestic locations

Benefits

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per dollar contributed to 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. 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 your employment. For transparency, U.S. citizenship may be required for some positions that require a government clearance or other restricted positions.