Program Manager - Launch Platforms

The posting, as Stratolaunch wrote it

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

[…]
ned 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