Employer job description

From Stratolaunch's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.

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 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
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.

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

About this listing

LAYIQ is an independent job-discovery service. This listing does not imply a partnership with or endorsement by the employer. Review the original posting for current details and availability.

View original posting Report an issueEmployer correction or removal

Employer posted: 2026-10-02

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Employer posted: Oct 2, 2026 · 18 days ago
Status: Listed as a current opening
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Before you apply

Employer job description

From Stratolaunch's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.

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.

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

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
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.

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

About this listing

LAYIQ is an independent job-discovery service. This listing does not imply a partnership with or endorsement by the employer. Review the original posting for current details and availability.