Payload Program Manager

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 Staff Program Manager. In this role, you will report to a Program Director and be responsible for the integration of customer payloads onto our Talon-A hypersonic vehicles and their flight program. You will interface with the customer on a regular basis to help develop requirements, manage integration schedules, provide updates, and ensure the customer has an optimal experience working with Stratolaunch. You will be part of the hypersonic vehicle team and develop interface requirements and contribute to interface control documents for use in payload integration. You will collaborate with the manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams to answer questions and resolve conflicts during payload installation. You will also work with the customer and engineering team to coordinate the payload functional test matrix prior to the mission. You will work with the Stratolaunch contracts team to ensure customer milestones are achieved. You will work with the program management team to ensure the customer needs are integrated with program planning and flight manifests.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop interface requirements for payload integration
• Support all phases of development from initial business proposal development through successful payload integration and checkout, through hypersonic flight and data delivery
• Responsible for cost, schedule, safety, and security of the payloads hypersonic program
• Contribute to the business plan with forecasts of schedule, budget, and personnel
• Implement program management tools, as needed, to facilitate program execution
• Coordinate across multiple Stratolaunch departments to ensure the customer milestones are met while providing customers with an optimal experience
• Develop the payload integration schedule, starting from receipt of payload through return of the payload and delivery of customer data
• Generate and maintain Payload Interface Control Documents
• Coordinate with the engineering, manufacturing, and operations team to perform physical payload integration
• Work with customers to verify functional performance after payload integration
• Work with customers, engineering, and operations teams to develop ground and flight test plans to support customer objectives
• Advocate for the customer, or potential customer, in internal venues
• Be responsible for updating and maintaining the Talon-A Payload User’s Guide
• Evaluate payload risks and mitigation plans to determine adequacy and effectiveness
• Assist with the coordination of flight test data reduction, customer report generation, and delivery
• Support the preparation of business proposals to the US Government and industry
• Regular and comprehensive communication to the Talon-A program leadership team
• Coordinate and help resolve technical challenges related to payload integration
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
• Travel, as needed, to support the company

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: large aerospace technical management, structural design, mechanical engineering, avionics or electrical engineering, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration, ground systems, payload interfaces, and functional testing
• Experience integrating customer (internal or external) needs into a larger program
• 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 a security clearance at the TS level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hypersonic vehicle experience
• Experience with sensor integration
• Experience with high-temperature materials, thermal protection systems, or optical windows
• Program Management experience with U.S. government agencies
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Education & Experience:

• Staff-Level ($124,500-$200,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. / B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with requirements development with a focus on interface management
• Experience with complex aerospace system development, integration, and testing
• Experience with U.S. government acquisition processes

Special remarks regarding work environment:

• Supporting flight test often means contributing during off-nominal hours and weekends.
• Travel estimated to be approximately 25% 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.

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