Senior Manufacturing Program Manager, Aerospace & Defense

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) match up to $11,500

Job summary

Stratolaunch seeks a Principal Program Manager - Manufacturing to oversee the transition of complex systems from prototype to stable, repeatable production, targeting ~50 units/year. You will guide cross-functional teams through readiness, rate-readiness, and manufacturing constraints while aligning with cost, schedule, and delivery commitments.

The role requires 15+ years in aerospace/defense production leadership, a strong technical background, and experience with government contracts and

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing program management, production leadership, or aerospace/defense development.
• Direct experience transitioning complex hardware from prototype into structured production, ideally at ~50 units/year.
• Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent).
• Experience supporting missile systems or high-reliability aerospace hardware under government contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing program for transitioning products from prototype to structured production.
• Develop and maintain an integrated manufacturing roadmap aligning capacity, readiness, and contract obligations.
• Represent program status to leadership, customers, and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Manufacturing readiness

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technical Management or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

EVMS knowledge

IPMR/CPR reporting

CDRL compliance

Job description

Stratolaunch seeks a Principal Program Manager - Manufacturing to oversee the transition of complex systems from prototype to stable, repeatable production, targeting ~50 units/year. You will guide cross-functional teams through readiness, rate-readiness, and manufacturing constraints while aligning with cost, schedule, and delivery commitments.

The role requires 15+ years in aerospace/defense production leadership, a strong technical background, and experience with government contracts and