Sr. Director, Program Management

The Senior Director, Program Management is a key leader responsible for the execution of all of Stratolaunch’s Mojave, California-based programs. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role oversees a portfolio of multi-disciplinary programs spanning the design, manufacturing, and flight test of reusable and expendable hypersonic test vehicles. The Senior Director is accountable for delivering customer satisfaction through the oversight of program performance. A strong candidate must have a strong sense of urgency, and be able to build and maintain a high-performance team of program leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• Set and communicate the strategic vision for the program management function in California, aligning with corporate objectives and long-term business goals
• Lead cross-program and cross-functional conflict resolution, balancing the performance of all programs and contracts
• Design a structured organization that is ready to deliver for customers successfully through disciplined execution
• Represent Stratolaunch in executive forums, industry events, and high-level customer and government engagements
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of program managers, program leaders, and cross-functional staff
• Own and perform to the Program Management Office budget for the Operations business unit

Program Portfolio Oversight

• Guide and remove barriers for the execution of a portfolio of large-scale, concurrent programs, ensuring delivery on cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction
• Create and drive a Program Management rhythm for the business unit, driving disciplined execution across all programs
• Hold Program Managers accountable through proactive risk management and risk mitigation planning
• Establish and enforce best-in-class program management methodologies, processes, and tools across the business unit
• Make cross-program business unit level decisions regarding program direction, resource allocation, and risk management
• Set the standards and best practices of the Program Management department, including scheduling and risk management. Support program financial discipline by collaborating with the Finance team
• Manage and oversee key supplier relationships by forming relationships and driving accountability into those organizations

Strategic Planning & Business Development

• Collaborate with the GM and executive leadership to define and execute long-term program strategies, business plans, and growth initiatives
• Support the identification, capture, and development of new business opportunities, partnerships, and strategic alliances
• Drive technology insertion, process improvement, and program expansion within the business unit to maintain Stratolaunch’s competitive edge

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Form and maintain critical customer relationships for the success of the business unit
• Support key customers, government agencies, and strategic partners, ensuring alignment with business unit objectives
• Support the negotiation of complex contracts and agreements, managing high-level relationships and ensuring delivery of customer value

Governance, Risk, & Compliance

• Oversee risk management, compliance, and governance activities for all programs, including classified and secure operations
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards at the business unit level

Organizational Development & Culture

• Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the Program Management team
• Lead talent acquisition, succession planning, and professional development initiatives to build and sustain high-performing teams
• Promote organizational health, engagement, and collaboration through effective communication and recognition programs
• Own recruiting and compensation for the Operations Program Management Office

Executive Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular, comprehensive program and portfolio status updates to the General Manager, C-suite, and Board of Directors
• Communicate program vision, objectives, and progress to internal and external stakeholders at all levels

Travel

• Domestic and occasional international travel required to support business, program objectives, and customer relationships

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in technical and/or program management, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles within aerospace, defense, or high-technology sectors
• Demonstrated success leading large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs or portfolios with annual budgets >$100M
• Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts, procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, operations, launch vehicle integration, and ground systems
• Proven executive leadership in technical organizations, including oversight of subcontractors and prototype/low-rate production
• Advanced expertise in risk management, classified program execution, and regulatory compliance
• Exceptional executive communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and organizational change management abilities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS (Top Secret) security clearance 

Preferred Qualifications

• Hypersonic vehicle development experience
• Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors
• Air-launch, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft integration program experience
• Large transport category or military aircraft operations experience
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification
• Experience with classified program execution and secure environments

Required Computer Skills

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• MS Project and other advanced project management tools

Education & Experience

• Sr. Director, Program Management ($252,000-$292,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Business Management/Administration, or related discipline from an accredited institution and 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%

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