Program Manager- Talon A

Stratolaunch; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Stratolaunch, Mojave, CA, is seeking a Principal Program Manager with 20+ years of relevant experience to lead complex aerospace programs, including design and modification, manufacturing, and flight test of reusable hypersonic test vehicles. You will guide cross-functional teams in a strong matrix environment and make high-stakes programmatic decisions.

This role involves program oversight, budgeting, revenue recognition, risk management, strategic planning, and growth initiatives, with on-site

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive program management experience in technical fields, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Strong ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and drive organizational change.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic program initiatives and represent the Program Director in executive forums and customer engagements.
• Oversee execution of multiple, concurrent programs with full responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive adoption of advanced program management processes, tools, and best practices.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure seamless program execution, including talent development and succession planning.
• Provide regular program status reports and executive briefings to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Budgeting & forecasting

Executive communication

Decision making

Security clearance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Project

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 achieve thesegreat efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Program Manager with at least20years of relevant experience. This visible leadership roleis responsible forthe successful execution of complex, multi-disciplinary programs, including strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership, and direct support of the Program Director in all aspects of program delivery and organizational growth.Therolespansthedesignandmodification, manufacturing, andflight testofa fleetofreusablehypersonic testvehicles.Acandidate for this rolemustbecomfortableleadingcross-functional teamsin astrongmatrixedenvironment, drivingtheexecutionofhighly complex,technicalprojects.A strong candidate will be able to makedifficultprogrammatic decisionsin anenvironmentwherenot all thedesired informationisavailable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership
• 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.
• Program Oversight & Execution
• 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, ensuringaccuratefinancial planning and alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage revenue recognition and contract invoicing processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards andtimelybilling.
• Monitor and report on program financial performance, proactively addressing variances and risks.
• Strategic Planning & Business Growth
• 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.
• Identifyand 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 customerobjectivesand 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 (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 organizationalobjectives.
• 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 Program Director, C-suite, and Board of Directors.
• Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Travel
• Domestic and occasional international travel asrequiredto support program and companyobjectives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum20years of progressive experience intechnical and/orprogram management, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal-level leadership role within aerospace, defense, or high-technology sectors.
• Astrong senseofurgency,withtheability tomake tough decisionsina technicalenvironment
• Demonstrated success managing large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs withannualbudgets >$100M.
• Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management,aircraftsystems,aircraftoperations, launch vehicle integration, and ground systems.
• Proventrack recordof technical leadership, including oversight of subcontractors and prototype/low-rate production.
• Advanced risk managementexpertiseand experience with classified programs.
• Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to obtain andmaintaina TS (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and drive organizational change.

Preferred:

• Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors.
• Air-launch, launch vehicle, and/oraircraftintegration program experience.
• Large transport category or militaryaircraftoperations experience.
• PMP,PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification.
• Experience with classified program execution and secure environments.

Required Computer Skills:

• MS Project and other advanced project management tools

EDUCATION

• Principal-level ($147,500-$237,200): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher and 20+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

Benefits and our location:

• Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA

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.

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 :