Director, Manufacturing Operations

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.

At Stratolaunch, we count on our leadership team to solve complex business problems with creativity and passion while always collaborating with the broader team. We are seeking an experienced Director, Manufacturing to join us in this mission, with a focus on leading our vehicles manufacturing, integration and operations. This position also needs to lead the planning effort for manufacturing and operations as Stratolaunch evolves its product offering. Finally, this person must have leadership experience with a proven ability to develop and empower teams.

Essential Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations – Oversees management of all areas of manufacturing to produce products and direct activities and ensure that schedules are met while staying within quality standards and cost objectives

• Lead Stratolaunch’s Mojave, California Manufacturing Team
• Responsible for developing the Manufacturing, and Manufacturing Technology company strategies to successfully capture and execute Manufacturing projects at Stratolaunch. Ensure alignment of your department with the broader company goals and objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring the Manufacturing team has the resources, staffing, training, and organizational structure to successfully execute our programs with a Quality mindset and results. Own the standards and best practices of the Manufacturing team towards these objectives. Remove roadblocks for the cross-functional project teams so that Manufacturing supports delivery on time, on budget, and with high quality.
• Responsible for the physical Manufacturing facilities in Mojave – operations, maintenance, improvements & modifications, plant layout, regulatory compliance, etc.
• Responsible for the recruitment, performance management, and compensation of the Manufacturing department.
• Responsible for the culture and ownership that leads to a safe working environment of all teams in Mojave, including the safety training of our workforce.
• Responsible for forecasting and managing the overhead budgets related to the Manufacturing team.
• Responsible for chairing Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR’s) and verifying that manufacturing projects have the parts, processes, and people to successfully complete manufacturing projects.
• Responsible for proactively evaluating Manufacturing Risk on our programs and making recommendations to programs on how to mitigate the risks.
• Responsible for running Root Cause and Corrective Action analyses after Manufacturing errors or rework occurs. Responsible for assigning corrective actions and following through on their completion.
• Responsible for managing all manufacturing equipment and tools at the company, including the Tool Inventory Control system.
• Responsible for making recommendations for capital improvements and expenditures to reduce costs, reduce rework, increase Quality, increase Safety, and/or increase Manufacturing throughput.
• Responsible for the Manufacturing Execution System and digital transformation of our manufacturing processes.
• Responsible for the strategy and transformation of our manufacturing processes to sell and deliver products to our customers.
• Identify and resolve issues across the Manufacturing, Engineering, Mission Operations, Quality, and support departments. Facilitate strong and collaborative working relationships with other departments.
• Support business development and proposal creation & review on behalf of Manufacturing.
  
  

Education & Experience

• (Director Level - $163,500-$265,000): Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 18-plus years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience; this can be offset by a combination of education and experience
  
  

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• The expectation is for you to be onsite >80% of nominal 9-80 scheduled work days.
• Participate as a Leadership team member by being onsite one weekend work shift approximately every 6 weeks, or as requested by the executive team.
• Candidates must have the ability to acquire and maintain a security clearance.
  
  

Benefits and our location(s):

• 9/80 schedule
• 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
  
  

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts.

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.

Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role:

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Is The Law

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf