Program Manager, Talon A
About The Position
Stratolaunch is seeking a Program Manager to lead the execution of complex, multidisciplinary programs involving the design and modification, manufacturing, and flight testing of reusable hypersonic test vehicles. The position is responsible for program cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction, and supports the Program Director in program delivery and organizational growth. It requires leadership of cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment and the ability to make consequential program decisions when information is incomplete. The Program Manager oversees program planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial performance, revenue recognition, invoicing, risk, compliance, and governance. The role partners with senior leadership on strategy and business growth, develops proposals and capture strategies, and manages relationships with customers, government agencies, and strategic partners. It also leads organizational development and talent initiatives, and provides program reports and executive briefings to the Program Director, C-suite, and Board of Directors. The position is located in Mojave, California. Employees are expected to work onsite at least 80% of normal workdays, follow a 9/80 schedule, and travel approximately 10% or less. Supporting flight tests may require work during off-nominal hours and weekends. The position may involve operating company vehicles.
Requirements
- Progressive technical and/or program management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in aerospace, defense, or high-technology sectors.
- Demonstrated success managing large, complex, multidisciplinary programs with annual budgets greater than $100 million.
- Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems and operations, launch vehicle integration, and ground systems.
- Proven technical leadership, including oversight of subcontractors and prototype or low-rate production.
- Advanced risk management expertise and experience with classified programs.
- Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and drive organizational change.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Business Management/Administration, or a related discipline, and 10 or more years of relevant program management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency with MS Project and other advanced project management tools.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors.
- Experience with air-launch, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft integration programs.
- Experience with large transport-category or military aircraft operations.
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification.
- Experience with classified program execution and secure environments.
Responsibilities
- Oversee multiple concurrent programs, with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive adoption of program management processes, tools, and best practices.
- Make program decisions affecting direction, resource allocation, and risk posture.
- Lead program forecasting and budgeting, and monitor financial performance and variances.
- Manage revenue recognition and contract invoicing in compliance with accounting standards and billing timelines.
- Partner with the Program Director and executive leadership on long-term strategies, business plans, and growth opportunities.
- Lead new-business proposals, capture strategies, and customer engagement plans.
- Identify opportunities for program expansion, technology insertion, and process improvement.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers, government agencies, and strategic partners.
- Negotiate complex contracts and manage senior customer relationships to align with customer objectives and expectations.
- Oversee program risk management, compliance, governance, classified program execution, and security requirements.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory, contractual, and quality standards.
- Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, procurement, finance, and legal.
- Foster innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and high performance.
- Support team growth through talent acquisition, onboarding, training, professional advancement, talent pipelines, and succession planning.
- Implement organizational development initiatives and promote engagement through communication and recognition.
- Provide regular program status reports and executive briefings to the Program Director, C-suite, and Board of Directors.
- Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders.
- Travel domestically and occasionally internationally as required.
Benefits
- Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs.
- Paid maternity and parental leave.
- 401(k) plan with a 50% company match per contributed dollar, up to $11,500.
- Tuition reimbursement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
