Program Manager - Launch Platforms

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 efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Program Manager – Launch Platforms with 10+ years of experience leading complex aerospace flight‑test, aircraft integration, or mission‑operations programs. This senior role is responsible for overseeing the full portfolio of launch platform activities, including certified and experimental aircraft integration, modification, maintenance, and mission‑readiness operations in support of high‑tempo hypersonic test campaigns.

The ideal candidate has deep flight‑test or aircraft operations experience, strong technical acumen, and demonstrated leadership within highly matrixed environments. The Principal PM will shape launch platform strategy, integrate technical readiness with operational demands, mitigate flight‑test risk, and deliver increased cadence, reliability, and affordability across Stratolaunch’s flight missions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Launch Platform Strategy

Serve as the senior program lead responsible for aircraft-level launch platform operations, readiness, and cross-functional integration

Develop and maintain an integrated launch‑platform roadmap that aligns aircraft technical maturity, flight‑test readiness, mission cadence targets, and customer contractual obligations

Represent launch‑platform status, risks, and decisions to executive leadership, customers, and major stakeholders

Flight-Test Transition & Operational Execution

Lead the integration of certified and experimental heavy aircraft for rapid‑pace hypersonic flight‑test operations

Oversee planning for aircraft modification, maintenance, and mission readiness, integrating actions, risks, dependencies, and technical maturity milestones into a unified program plan

Develop and manage cross‑functional aircraft resource plans, flight‑test support staffing, and scheduling required to meet mission cadence objectives

Coordinate Engineering, Operations, Flight Test, and Maintenance teams to ensure consistent, predictable aircraft readiness for all test objectives

Resolve operational blockers, aircraft availability constraints, technical issues, or flight‑test risks impacting cost, schedule, or mission success

Cost, Schedule & Contract Performance

Manage aircraft‑level cost, schedule, and technical performance for launch‑platform operations under government and commercial contracts

Ensure compliance with applicable government contracting and financial‑tracking requirements, including forecasting, cost modeling, and variance analysis

Drive development and refinement of aircraft operating cost models (fuel, maintenance, crew proficiency flights, spare parts, etc.)

Lead customer-facing reviews, audits, and contract engagements related to launch‑platform scope, mission cadence adjustments, or technical modifications

Technical Support & Platform Integration

Partner with engineering and program teams to integrate new technologies onto launch platforms, ensuring configuration management, verification, and readiness for flight

Support aircraft and crew qualification, maintenance test flights, and mission readiness testing, ensuring all technical requirements are satisfied before execution

Analyze aircraft reliability data, flight‑test trends, and technical maturity metrics to drive continuous improvement across launch platforms

Integrate engineering changes, producibility improvements, and operational enhancements into the program plan

Risk Management & Compliance

Own portfolio‑level flight‑test and aircraft integration risks for certified and experimental launch platforms

Identify and mitigate risks related to flight operations, integration schedules, technical maturity, aircraft maintenance, and mission readiness

Ensure compliance with government regulations, export controls, flight‑test safety standards, and contract requirements across launch‑platform activities

Support classified or sensitive flight‑test operations within secure environments as required

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary point of contact for launch‑platform status on major government and defense programs

Communicate aircraft readiness, mission and maintenance schedules, technical risks, and operational challenges clearly and proactively to customers and senior leadership

Support proposal development, mission planning reviews, and technical interchange meetings related to launch‑platform capabilities and test operations

Reporting & Communication

Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to the Program Directors, C-suite, and Board of Directors

Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders

Travel

Domestic and some international travel as required to support flight‑test operations and customer objectives

Required Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aerospace program management, aircraft operations, flight‑test integration, or mission‑execution leadership

Direct experience working with certified and/or experimental heavy aircraft or complex flight‑test execution

Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent technical experience)

Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional teams within high‑tempo, technically complex aerospace environments

Proven ability to deliver cost, schedule, and technical performance under demanding operational conditions

A strong sense of urgency, with the ability to make tough decisions in a technical environment

Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills

Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with hypersonic flight‑test operations, aircraft integration, missile systems, or high‑reliability aerospace platforms

Knowledge of government contracting, EVMS principles, flight cost modeling, or mission operations logistics

Experience supporting or leading U.S. Government aerospace programs

Experience establishing new test processes, scaling operations, or developing large-scale aerospace integration plans

PMP, PgMP, or equivalent aerospace program management certification

Required Computer Skills

Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

MS Project and other advanced project management tools

Education and Experience

Staff Program Manager ($134,000-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Business Management/Administration, or related discipline from an accredited institution and 8-12+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Principal Program Manager ($164,000-$194,400): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Technical Management and 12+ 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 15% or less

This position is located in Mojave, CA

Relocation eligible to local area

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