Director, Program Manager- Advanced Flight Systems Development

Stratolaunch; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 194,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) match up to $11,500

Job summary

STRATOLAUNCH HUNTSVILLE is seeking a Director-level Program Manager to lead approximately 40% of the development for an operational missile system. The role oversees design, manufacturing, and testing of subsystems across a strong matrixed environment.

Required senior leadership experience in aerospace/defense, with strong risk management and executive communication skills. Travel will be domestic and international as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in senior- or principal-level leadership in aerospace/defense/high-tech.
• Ability to make tough decisions in a technical environment.
• Experience managing large, multidisciplinary programs.
• Experience with subcontractors, procurement, and production transition.
• Ability to obtain TS security clearance.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Program Manager, single POC to the prime organization.
• Lead cross-functional team across engineering, manufacturing, ground and flight testing.
• Oversee cost, schedule, and technical performance; manage risks.
• Negotiate contracts and manage high-level customer relationships.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Provide regular program status reports to leadership.
• Domestic and international travel as needed.

Skills

Program management

Aerospace & defense

Leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

MS Project

Office Suite

Job description

Director, Program Manager- Advanced Flight Systems Development

STRATOLAUNCH HUNTSVILLE
Help build the next chapter of hypersonic flight.
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 Managerwith relevant experience to lead approximately 40% of the development effort for an operational missile system. This program leadership role is responsible for the successful execution of complex, multidisciplinary projects across multiple companies. The role spans the design, manufacturing, and testing of missile subsystems. Stratolaunch’s scope includes Systems Engineering, GNC flight software, and Electrical Subsystems. A candidate for this role must be comfortable leading cross-functional teams in a strong matrixed environment and driving the execution of highly complex technical projects. A strong candidate will be able to make difficult programmatic decisions in an environment where not all desired information is available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Act as the Program Manager, representing Stratolaunch as the singular point of contact (POC) to the prime organization.
• Lead a cross-functional team spanning engineering, manufacturing, and ground and flight testing to support the development of a new missile system.
• Drive the team to meet schedule and budget goals while also achieving all technical requirements.

Program Oversight & Execution

• Oversee the execution of multiple projects with full responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, risk management, and customer satisfaction.
• 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.
• Drive the adoption of advanced program management processes, tools, and best practices.
• 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.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the prime customer, 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.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards.

Organizational Leadership

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, procurement, finance, and 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 company leadership.
• 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:

• Experience in technical and/or program management roles, with at least 5 years in a senior- or principal-level leadership role within the 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, multidisciplinary programs.
• 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 experience transitioning from prototype to 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.
• Willingness and 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.
• Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors.

Preferred:

• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification.
• Experience with classified program execution and secure environments.
• Air-launch, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft integration program experience.
• Active security clearance.

Required Computer Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• MS Project and other advanced project management tools.

Education & Experience

• Director-level ($194,000–$227,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher and 20+ years of relevant program management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position and any resulting offer of employment may be contingent upon the timing and receipt of a related contract award.

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) :

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

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Huntsville, Alabama, known as the Rocket City, combines a thriving aerospace and defense community with the affordability, outdoor access, and quality of life of the Tennessee Valley. Home to Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of aerospace, defense, and technology organizations, Huntsville has played a major role in America’s space and defense programs for generations—and continues to be at the center of what comes next.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville offers plenty to explore. Monte Sano State Park sits just minutes from downtown and features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails overlooking the Tennessee Valley. The nearby Tennessee River provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and other water activities, while the region’s parks, greenways, and foothills make it easy to get outdoors year-round.

Prefer city life? Downtown Huntsville offers a growing mix of restaurants, breweries, live music, arts, sports, and entertainment. Catch a concert at the Orion Amphitheater, explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, or spend an evening at Toyota Field cheering on the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the region’s aptly named Minor League Baseball team. You can also explore the shops and restaurants at MidCity and Bridge Street or experience Huntsville’s growing arts scene. For a weekend getaway, Nashville, Birmingham, and Chattanooga are all within a few hours’ drive, with Atlanta also easily accessible.

Food and drink enthusiasts will find everything from Southern staples and barbecue to an increasingly diverse restaurant scene, local breweries, coffee shops, and cocktail bars. Huntsville blends the welcoming character of the South with the energy of one of the country’s fastest-growing technology and aerospace communities.

Whether you're drawn by the outdoors, the growing city, or the opportunity to build your career in the heart of America's aerospace and defense industry, Huntsville offers a unique place to live, work, and help shape the future of flight.

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.