--- title: 'Program Manager - Manufacturing, Targets at Stratolaunch' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/program-manager-manufacturing-targets-stratolaunch-mojave-khkh7de8ktv5' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-08' --- # Program Manager - Manufacturing, Targets at Stratolaunch - **Company:** Stratolaunch - **Location:** Mojave, CA - **Posted:** 2026-10-02 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-08 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch/jobs/5439212008 ## Job description 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 critical efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Program Manager – Manufacturing with 15+ years of experience leading production‑focused aerospace or defense programs. This senior role is responsible for transitioning complex systems from prototype development into stable, repeatable production with an annual target of roughly 50 units per year. The ideal candidate has experience with missile and/or interceptor systems, a strong technical background, and deep familiarity with government contracts, compliance, and production oversight. A successful candidate will demonstrate leadership within a highly matrixed environment, guiding cross‑functional teams through manufacturing readiness, rate readiness, supply‑chain constraints, and factory execution while ensuring full alignment with program requirements, customer expectations, and operational goals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Manufacturing Strategy - Serve as the senior manufacturing program lead for transitioning products from prototype to structured production - Develop and maintain an integrated manufacturing roadmap with cross-functional collaboration that aligns capacity, readiness, technical maturity, and contract obligations - Represent manufacturing program status and decisions to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders - Mentor program managers, manufacturing engineers, and cross‑functional leads involved in production operations Production Transition & Execution - Support Manufacturing readiness reviews and process-capability evaluations by integrating functional readiness inputs, actions, risks, dependencies, and milestones into the program plan - Oversee build planning, rate readiness planning, and factory sequencing to support production targets of ~50 units/year - Drive coordination between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Test teams to ensure stable, predictable production flow - Ensure functional plans for configuration management, work instructions, quality gates, and test/acceptance procedures are integrated into the program plan and aligned with production cost, schedule, and delivery commitments - Resolve factory bottlenecks, supply chain disruptions, and technical blockers impacting cost, schedule, or throughput Cost, Schedule & Contract Performance - Manage program cost, schedule, and technical performance for manufacturing execution under government and commercial contracts - Ensure compliance with EVMS principles, government reporting requirements, and contractual manufacturing obligations - Drive forecasting, budgeting, and production cost model development for labor, materials, capital equipment, and rate increases - Lead customer facing manufacturing reviews, audits, and contract negotiations related to scope changes, build rate changes, or production modifications Technical Support & Integration - Partner with engineering to incorporate producibility improvements, design for manufacturing changes, and reliability/stability enhancements - Support qualification, acceptance, and production test campaigns, ensuring manufacturing processes meet technical requirements - Analyze production data, yield trends, and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement; integrate associated risks, recovery actions, and decisions into the program plan Risk Management & Compliance - Identify and mitigate manufacturing risks related to supply chain constraints, rate increases, design immaturity, test availability, or factory resource limitations - Ensure compliance with government regulations, export controls, quality standards, and contract requirements across production activities - Support classified or sensitive program execution within secure manufacturing environments, as required Customer & Stakeholder Engagement - Serve as the primary point of contact for manufacturing status on major government or defense related programs - Communicate build progress, delivery schedules, and manufacturing challenges clearly and proactively to customers and senior leadership Travel - Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives Required Qualifications - Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing program management, production leadership, or aerospace/defense development - Direct experience transitioning complex hardware from prototype into structured production, ideally at rates of ~50 units/year or similar - Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent technical experience) - Experience supporting or producing missile systems, weapon systems, or high‑reliability aerospace hardware - Demonstrated success managing manufacturing scope under U.S. government contracts (DoD, DARPA, AFRL, primes, etc.) - Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams within a fast‑paced, technically complex environment - Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience with missile systems, hypersonic systems, flight vehicles, or other high‑reliability defense hardware - Knowledge of EVMS, IPMR/CPR reporting, CDRL compliance, or government production oversight - Experience scaling production lines, qualifying suppliers, or establishing new manufacturing processes - PMP, PgMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or equivalent certification Education and Experience - Principal-level ($164,000-$194,600): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in Engineering, Technical Management, or related field and15+ 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 #LI-onsite ## #LI-AM1 Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews. [Benefits](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/benefits/) and our https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/locations/: - 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 This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned 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](https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fofccp%2Fregs%2Fcompliance%2Fposters%2Fpdf%2Feeopost.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJustin.Bunkis%40stratolaunch.com%7Cc995cc1cb2d54cb9e84f08dd8369f5d0%7C6b1ba37e5a954845af92bbebaa34f2bf%7C0%7C0%7C638811213293596097%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HA1xZ73OqtOavsYHMEB53oSEKk%2FQdrb0FNLHeuEPqjg%3D&reserved=0) ## About Stratolaunch ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Stratolaunch designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to provide the U.S. and its allies with routine, affordable access to hypersonic flight testing and space. - **Entity Type**: Private (total funding $24.7M; recent grant and private equity rounds) - **Headquarters**: Mojave, California, United States - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Not listed in available sources ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – hypersonic test technology and air-launch services. - **Target customers**: U.S. government agencies (Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense), defense contractors, and commercial aerospace companies. - **Mission**: To advance a national imperative by enabling routine access to the hypersonic environment, accelerating technology development, and validating system performance through flight data. ## Products & Services - **Roc (Air-Launch Platform)**: The world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, used as a mobile launch pad to deploy hypersonic test vehicles from high altitude. - **Talon-A**: A reusable, air-launched hypersonic test vehicle capable of sustained Mach 5+ flight; provides critical flight data for technology maturation. - **Hypersonic Flight Testing Services**: End-to-end mission planning, payload integration, flight operations, and data analysis for government and commercial customers. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed - **Key Metrics**: - Annual revenue: ~$28.7M (source: LinkedIn) - Total funding: $24.7M (led by Missile Defense Agency grant, January 2025; plus a private equity round in January 2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Missile Defense Agency (MDA), U.S. Department of Defense; acquired WINDWRIGHT, LLC. - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 15.3% YoY to 253 employees. - Active job postings increased 176.2% YoY. - Received a $90.8M contract award under MACH-TB 2.0 Task 3 for air-launched capability test vehicles. - Conducted a hypersonic test flight with the Missile Defense Agency. ## Competitive Advantages - **Unique Air-Launch Capability**: Operates Roc, the only aircraft of its size, enabling flexible, over-the-horizon launch of hypersonic vehicles without ground range constraints. - **Vertical Integration**: In-house design, manufacturing, and flight test capabilities reduce timelines and allow rapid iteration. - **Government Trust**: Multiple contract awards from MDA and DoD demonstrate confidence in Stratolaunch’s technology and execution. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling hypersonic testing capacity to meet growing national security demand. - Maturing Talon-A into a reusable, operational vehicle for repeatable, cost-effective hypersonic flights. - Expanding customer base beyond the MDA to include other defense agencies and commercial hypersonic developers. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “Safety Always,” “Be courageous & bold,” “Strength in humility,” and “Be the teammate you’d want to have.” Emphasis on hands-on, cross‑disciplinary learning alongside top aerospace engineers. - **Work Environment**: Majority on‑site (57 of 64 current positions are on‑site); limited hybrid/remote options. HQ in Mojave, CA, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, AL. - **Notable Perks**: Direct involvement in cutting‑edge hypersonic technology with national importance; exposure to multiple engineering disciplines; safety‑first, ego‑free culture. - **Compensation Example**: Propulsion Technician ~$65,890/yr; Executive Assistant ~$88,580/yr (LinkedIn estimates). - **Employer Rating**: 3.7/5 (55 reviews) – Compensation rated 4.0/5, Culture 3.5/5, Work‑Life 2.8/5. ## Sources 1. [stratolaunch.com](https://www.stratolaunch.com/) 2. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratolaunch) 3. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch) 4. [stratolaunch.com/careers/culture](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/culture/) ## Other roles at Stratolaunch - [Sr. Mechanical/Structural Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-mechanical-structural-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-mbf6py4kh9x7) — Mojave, CA - [Mechanical/Structural Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-structural-engineer-ii-stratolaunch-mojave-cgy4b9j2a8n5) — Mojave, CA - [QA Inspector](https://feeny.ai/job/qa-inspector-stratolaunch-mojave-ccx9vgz9hsq9) — Mojave, CA - [Staff Operations Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-operations-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-w81qvsxcyx2k) — Mojave, CA - [AI Solutions Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/ai-solutions-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-zgy5p5695y8p) — Mojave, CA - [Avionics Electrical Drafter](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-electrical-drafter-stratolaunch-mojave-qxmagtgps241) — Mojave, CA - [Program Scheduler](https://feeny.ai/job/program-scheduler-stratolaunch-mojave-qt3hrj9vdef8) — Mojave, CA - [IT Intern- Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/it-intern-summer-2027-stratolaunch-mojave-s4pxtdadsskv) — Mojave, CA - [People Team Intern- Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/people-team-intern-summer-2027-stratolaunch-mojave-yw3022x3v2j5) — Mojave, CA - [Manufacturing (Electrical) Engineering Intern Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-electrical-engineering-intern-summer-2027-stratolaunch-mojave-wwbsq8przdn6) — Mojave, CA