Principal Program Manager - Hypersonics Flight Test Leader

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

9/80 work schedule

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

Job summary

Stratolaunch in Mojave, CA seeks a Principal Program Manager with 20+ years of experience to lead complex aerospace programs from design through flight test. You will drive strategy, budgets, and cross-functional execution while engaging executives and key customers. Onsite work 80%+ with travel as needed.

The role requires exceptional leadership, risk management, and the ability to make tough decisions in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, with a TS security clearance expected.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic program initiatives and represent the Program Director in executive forums, customer engagements, and internal leadership meetings.
• Mentor, coach, and develop program managers and team leads across the organization.
• Oversee execution of multiple, concurrent programs with full responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
• 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.
• Partner with the Program Director and executive leadership 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.
• 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.
• Oversee program risk management, compliance, and governance activities, including classified program execution and security requirements.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional teams 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.
• Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to the Program Director, C-suite, and Board of Directors.
• Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Domestic and occasional international travel as required to support program and company objectives.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Aerospace

Risk management

Security clearance

Budgeting

Customer engagement

Subcontract management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Stratolaunch in Mojave, CA seeks a Principal Program Manager with 20+ years of experience to lead complex aerospace programs from design through flight test. You will drive strategy, budgets, and cross-functional execution while engaging executives and key customers. Onsite work 80%+ with travel as needed.

The role requires exceptional leadership, risk management, and the ability to make tough decisions in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, with a TS security clearance expected.