Demo

Test/Operations Program Manager

Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch Salary
Mojave, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/17/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/16/2025

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.

Stratolaunch seeks a Staff Program Manager with 10-years of experience to deliver successful Talon-A hypersonic missions to our customers. In this role, you will be responsible for meeting schedule, cost, and technical constraints for all Talon-A missions including range integration, ground and flight test execution, and vehicle refurbishment. Candidates must have a strong sense of urgency, be dedicated to delivering missions to our customers, and be motivated to drive cross-functional teams to successful tests. This role requires creative problem solving to significantly increase hypersonic test cadence while also driving affordability into mission operations. This role will require you to roll up your sleeves and work with a multi-faceted team to deliver for customers in a challenging technical environment.


You will work for the Talon-A Launch System Program Director. You will own Talon-A mission execution including managing schedules, planning cross-functional resources and staffing, creating budgets and forecasts, mediating risks experienced in flight test, and delivering missions that achieve all test objectives. An optimal candidate will have a strong technical background in launch vehicle or flight test execution, with strong knowledge of the test business. You will be responsible for drastically increasing our hypersonic mission cadence, while also driving affordability initiatives into the program. This role requires supporting flight test at all hours of the day and some travel to support global operations. You will work with the Stratolaunch finance and accounting office, schedule, and planning within the program, and participate in program monthly reviews.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the execution of Talon-A hypersonic missions on-schedule, on-budget, and with completion of all test objectives.
  • Mitigate flight test risks and drive issues to closure with timely actions to ensure positive results are delivered to our customers.
  • Coordinate successfully with program leads, departments, and external authorities to complete
  • Develop schedules and resource plans to complete all elements of Talon-A mission execution, including pre-flight and post-flight activities.
  • Track mission execution costs over time and analyze variances.
  • Drive affordability and efficiency into mission execution to increase mission profitability.
  • Provide flight test strategy recommendations and assessments to the Program Director, as required.
  • Serve as a program representative in internal and customer-facing meetings, as required.
  • Work with Finance and company leadership to ensure planning and financial tracking processes and procedures meet US Government contracting requirements.
  • Develop and drive critical program management flight test metrics for the program.
  • Coordinate and help resolve program financial challenges, as required.
  • Support the preparation of business proposals to the US Government and industry.
  • Travel, as requires, to support Talon-A mission execution.
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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

  • Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: Flight and/or launch vehicle testing, hypersonic vehicle development and testing, payload integration, DoD range integration and flight testing, flight test scheduling and cost tracking.
  • Experience leading and working with engineers, technicians, testers, and customers to deliver flight test results.
  • Experience developing schedules and managing teams who are motivated to achieve challenging test goals.
  • Experience with program financial analysis, including variance analysis and developing forecasts.
  • Experience with driving risk and issues to closure in a timely manner.
  • Ability to develop and analyze data, and present findings to customers and management.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills and ability to implement sound critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines, managing multiple priorities in a dynamic and changing environment.
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Staff-Level ($124,500-$200,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.


Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Supporting flight test often means contributing during off-nominal hours and weekends.
  • Travel estimated to be approximately 10% or less
  • This position is located in Mojave, CA

#LI-Onsite #LI-WG1


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

Salary : $124,500 - $200,000

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Job openings at Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch
Hired Organization Address Mojave, CA Full Time
Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5 . Our air-launched, Ta...
Stratolaunch
Hired Organization Address Mojave, CA Full Time
Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5 . Our air-launched, Ta...

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