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Manager, Ground Operations

Mojave, CA

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 is seeking a Ground Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the Ground Operations Team. This position reports to the Director of Ground Operations and will ensure that the capabilities, resources, and skillsets are in place to ensure on-going aircraft ground operations. This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction to a team of ground operations personnel.

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Oversee day to day management of all areas of ground operations to direct activities and ensure that schedules, policies, and procedures are met while staying within quality standards and cost objectives
  • Manage and empower Crew Chiefs and Program Leads to accomplish program and company goals
  • Work closely with Crew Chiefs to ensure that aircraft maintenance documentation, procedures, and protocols are followed at all times
  • Manage and develop the ground operations team, including create job descriptions, conduct interviews, hire, and conduct performance reviews. Ascertain root cause and take corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with company policy working closely with Human Resources (HR)
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to ground operations team. Set clear expectations for performance and accountability. Develop talent through training, coaching, and feedback
  • Assist Director of Ground Operations to assess current team and identify potential skill gaps and determine training needs 
  • Develop, plan, schedule, and monitor skill development and training for the ground operations team             
  • Drive and sustain improvement initiatives focused on improving processes to attain increased efficiency and quality utilizing Lean and Six Sigma Principles
  • Support corrective action reviews and implementation to improve operations and hardware quality
  • Create an agile environment that adapts to change quickly.  Address challenges directly with solutions that can be measured for desired outcome
  • Assist program management team to develop plans and schedules
  • Identify and procure aircraft maintenance tools as needed
  • Motivate a sense of urgency to meet aggressive operation schedules
  • Work with team leadership to ensure the work environment is efficiently organized, maintained and clean
  • Maintain FOD Control and Tool Control processes in the ground operations environment
  • Champions EH&S and Quality policies, procedures, and principles
  • Other duties as assigned or otherwise beneficial to effectively fulfilling the mission and vision of the company
  • 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

 

  • 7+ years of experience with leadership and management of flight test, flight-line & maintenance operations
  • Current FAA Airframe and Power Plant License
  • FAA inspection Authorization (IA)
  • Experience working with Heavy Commercial aircraft (Boeing Preferred)
  • Experience working with a variety of internal resources including Quality Assurance, Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Procurement, Property Control, and Human Resources
  • Proven track record of developing team members into effective leaders
  • Strong team building, collaboration, and leadership skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with employees, fellow company leaders, and customers
  • Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent activities among many groups and provide clear plan of dependencies and deadlines
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines, managing multiple priorities in a dynamic and changing environment
  • Self-motivated with a strong track record of forecasting potential challenge areas and taking initiative to address those areas before they become a company concern
  • Creative problems solving skills.  Ability to think “out of the box” and apply non-traditional solutions to challenging issues
  • Have a working knowledge of Jira, preferred
  • Proficient knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Ability and willingness to work flexible and off-shift hours (including 1st, 2nd shift, and weekends) when business needs dictate

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

 

  • (Manager- $125,000-$180,000) Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 7+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • This position is located in Mojave, CA.

#LI-Onsite

 

 

 

 

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 the IRS annual limit
  • 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

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