Program Manager - Manufacturing, Targets

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

To achieve these critical efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Program Manager – Manufacturing with 15+ years of experience leading production‑focused aerospace or defense programs. This senior role is responsible for transitioning complex systems from prototype development into stable, repeatable production with an annual target of roughly 50 units per year. The ideal candidate has experience with missile and/or interceptor systems, a strong technical background, and deep familiarity with government contracts, compliance, and production oversight.

A successful candidate will demonstrate leadership within a highly matrixed environment, guiding cross‑functional teams through manufacturing readiness, rate readiness, supply‑chain constraints, and factory execution while ensuring full alignment with program requirements, customer expectations, and operational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Manufacturing Strategy

Serve as the senior manufacturing program lead for transitioning products from prototype to structured production

Develop and maintain an integrated manufacturing roadmap with cross-functional collaboration that aligns capacity, readiness, technical maturity, and contract obligations

Represent manufacturing program status and decisions to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders

Mentor program managers, manufacturing engineers, and cross‑functional leads involved in production operations

Production Transition & Execution

Support Manufacturing readiness reviews and process-capability evaluations by integrating functional readiness inputs, actions, risks, dependencies, and milestones into the program plan

Oversee build planning, rate readiness planning, and factory sequencing to support production targets of ~50 units/year

Drive coordination between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Test teams to ensure stable, predictable production flow

Ensure functional plans for configuration management, work instructions, quality gates, and test/acceptance procedures are integrated into the program plan and aligned with production cost, schedule, and delivery commitments

Resolve factory bottlenecks, supply chain disruptions, and technical blockers impacting cost, schedule, or throughput

Cost, Schedule & Contract Performance

Manage program cost, schedule, and technical performance for manufacturing execution under government and commercial contracts

Ensure compliance with EVMS principles, government reporting requirements, and contractual manufacturing obligations

Drive forecasting, budgeting, and production cost model development for labor, materials, capital equipment, and rate increases

Lead customer facing manufacturing reviews, audits, and contract negotiations related to scope changes, build rate changes, or production modifications

Technical Support & Integration

Partner with engineering to incorporate producibility improvements, design for manufacturing changes, and reliability/stability enhancements

Support qualification, acceptance, and production test campaigns, ensuring manufacturing processes meet technical requirements

Analyze production data, yield trends, and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement; integrate associated risks, recovery actions, and decisions into the program plan

Risk Management & Compliance

Identify and mitigate manufacturing risks related to supply chain constraints, rate increases, design immaturity, test availability, or factory resource limitations

Ensure compliance with government regulations, export controls, quality standards, and contract requirements across production activities

Support classified or sensitive program execution within secure manufacturing environments, as required

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary point of contact for manufacturing status on major government or defense related programs

Communicate build progress, delivery schedules, and manufacturing challenges clearly and proactively to customers and senior leadership

Travel

Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives

Required Qualifications

Minimum 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 rates of ~50 units/year or similar

Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent technical experience)

Experience supporting or producing missile systems, weapon systems, or high‑reliability aerospace hardware

Demonstrated success managing manufacturing scope under U.S. government contracts (DoD, DARPA, AFRL, primes, etc.)

Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams within a fast‑paced, technically complex environment

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with missile systems, hypersonic systems, flight vehicles, or other high‑reliability defense hardware

Knowledge of EVMS, IPMR/CPR reporting, CDRL compliance, or government production oversight

Experience scaling production lines, qualifying suppliers, or establishing new manufacturing processes

PMP, PgMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or equivalent certification

Education and Experience

Principal-level ($164,000-$194,600): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Technical Management, or related field and15+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

This position is located in Mojave, CA

Relocation eligible to local area

Travel estimated to be approximately 10% or less

9/80 schedule

#LI-onsite#LI-AM1

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):

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)

Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

Tuition reimbursement

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 :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf