Program Manager - Manufacturing, Talon Vehicle

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 support these advanced development efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Staff Program Manager –Manufacturing with 10–15 years of relevant experience in fast‑paced, highly technical aerospace or defense environments. This role focuses on planning, coordinating, and executing prototype manufacturing activities, with a particular emphasis on low‑rate developmental production (1–2 units per year).

The ideal candidate thrives in rapid‑iteration environments, integrates technical and manufacturing inputs effectively, and ensures prototype hardware is built, controlled, and delivered on schedule while meeting stringent technical requirements. A strong candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex prototype builds with evolving requirements.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Leadership & Cross‑Functional Integration
• Serve as the program lead for prototype manufacturing activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and test
• Drive strong communication and alignment across technical, operational, and programmatic stakeholders
• Mentor junior program staff and contribute to improving prototype build processes and organizational best practices
• Prototype Manufacturing Execution

Develop and maintain the integrated prototype build plan, incorporating scope, configuration requirements, and cross-functional inputs; manage program-level cost, schedule, risk, and delivery impacts resulting from changing technical inputs

Coordinate manufacturing readiness efforts for developmental systems, including tooling, work instructions, configuration management, and build sequencing

Integrate cross-functional readiness inputs for developmental builds into the prototype build plan; track associated actions, risks, dependencies, milestones, and program impacts

Integrate functional improvement plans and prototype-build lessons learned into the program plan to inform future builds, reduce program schedule risk, and support maturation of critical build processes

• Lead resolution of prototype manufacturing challenges, including supply‑chain constraints, integration issues, and late‑stage engineering changes
• Cost, Schedule & Program Performance
• Develop and maintain the integrated prototype build schedule and cost plan, including labor-hour and resource forecasts, aligned with functional plans and delivery commitments
• Identify and manage risks to cost, schedule, and technical performance; implement mitigation plans
• Support earned‑value processes, cost reporting, and forecasting appropriate for developmental manufacturing programs
• Ensure alignment between prototype build plans and overall program strategy
• Technical Support & Build Quality
• Partner with engineering to ensure prototype designs are producible, testable, and properly documented
• Integrate functional quality, acceptance, and documentation plans into the prototype build plan; track associated readiness, risks, and delivery impacts
• Coordinate design iterations and prototype updates with functional stakeholders, integrating configuration, traceability, compliance, and build-plan impacts
• Customer, Stakeholder & Contract Support
• Support customer‑facing reviews, progress briefings, and discussions related to prototype status or manufacturing risks
• Ensure prototype build activities comply with contractual and regulatory requirements, including government reporting when applicable
• Collaborate with Contracts, Finance, and Supply Chain to support modifications, scope changes, and resource planning
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Lead identification and mitigation of manufacturing risks related to prototype complexity, supply‑chain delays, or evolving technical requirements
• Ensure compliance with export control laws, quality standards, and government contract provisions
• Communicate build progress, delivery schedules, and manufacturing challenges clearly and proactively to program leadership
• Support classified program discussions as required

Travel

• Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives
• Required Qualifications
• Experience in aerospace or defense program management, manufacturing, or development environments
• Demonstrated success leading prototype or early development manufacturing efforts
• Experience managing low‑rate builds (1–2 units per year) or similar small‑batch, high‑complexity manufacturing
• Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent experience)
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex hardware builds with evolving scope
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hypersonic systems, flight vehicles, or propulsion‑related manufacturing
• Experience in rapid prototyping, developmental test programs, or engineering‑driven iteration cycles
• Familiarity with EVMS, government contract requirements, or CDRL deliverables
• Lean or process‑improvement experience for prototype or low‑rate production
• Education and Experience
• Staff-level ($134,000-$158,600): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Technical Management, or related field and 10-15 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
• To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level I, level II, Sr-, or Staff-level Avionics Engineer with emphasis in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) and Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) to support continued technical development of air-launched hypersonic aircraft. This position will also support the efforts to design, integrate, and test the FTS and AFSS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324. Additionally, this position will include working with range safety personnel to coordinate review and approval of various FTS documents. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration. Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.
• Essential Responsibilities
• Support the development, implementation, and subsystem-level testing of the FTS and AFSS
• Collaborate with range safety to review and approve FTS and AFSS documentation
• Support design, procurement, and build of AFSS Hardware in the Loop
• Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft + pylon + hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions
• Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop FTS and AFSS technical requirements
• Contribute to coordination of range testing
• Support design reviews throughout vehicle system development
• Evaluate and determine risks and risk mitigation plans
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Qualifications and Skills

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Required Qualifications
• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
• Experience with FTS and/or AFSS (receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)
• Experience architecting avionics system design with COTS or in-house hardware
• Experience working with and tailoring RCC-319 & RCC-324 requirements
• Experience with Maximum Predicted Environments, Acceptance Testing, and Qualification Testing
• Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with sub-contractors
• Experience with test planning and execution
• Experience with risk management
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
• Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance
• Required Computer Skills
• Engineering programming tools (Matlab or equivalent)
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
• Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they’re used for breakup analysis
• Experience developing environmental test specifications
• Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
• Engineering with computing languages & tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)
• Experience with government agencies
• Experience with air-launch programs
• Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions
• Security clearance
• Education and Experience
• Level I ($83,000-$120,500): Bachelor’s degree or higher from accredited institution and 0-2 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Level II ($101,000-$146,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable
• Position based in Mojave, CA
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%
• 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.