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Engineering Department Manager

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 high-impact, team-oriented leader to manage the Engineering Department. In this role, you will report directly to the Engineering Leader at Stratolaunch, working as a trusted partner as we grow the Engineering team and its capabilities to support the business. You will manage and develop the engineering talent responsible for design and development of affordable hypersonic test solutions, supporting the entire program portfolio across the product development and operations lifecycle. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, relevant technical expertise, experience managing diverse technical teams and a passion for people.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Partner with Human Resources and Talent Acquisition across the hiring workflow to identify qualified candidates, establish strong interview teams, and hire engineering talent in alignment with strategic program goals
  • Support regular communication to Engineering department and produce content for bi-monthly Engineering department meetings
  • Lead performance management and compensation planning efforts for all engineering staff in partnership with the Engineering Leader and Human Resources
  • Lead employee development and retention initiatives
  • Ensure department compliance with applicable policies and procedures (e.g. timekeeping, employee handbook, etc.)
  • Partner with programs and engineering Section Managers to meet tactical staffing needs and resolve resource conflicts
  • Produce monthly content for Company-wide demand & staffing meetings
  • Guide Engineering Managers through performance management conversations from coaching sessions to performance plans
  • Support efforts to establish and enforce technical best practices and standards
  • Provide technical guidance in area(s) of expertise
  • Influence department budgetary needs

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility 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 Qualifications:

  • Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
  • Demonstrated success as a front-line manager of technical employees
  • Experience working in matrixed organizations and staffing technical personnel across multiple programs
  • Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees
  • Experience supporting defense contracts and working on classified programs
  • Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders
  • Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended problems
  • Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
  • Technical expertise in at least one engineering domain of relevance to Stratolaunch
  • US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

 

Required Computer Skills:

  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience as an individual contributor and technical leader on aerospace development programs
  • Experience leading and managing large technical teams (100+)
  • Experience and expertise in hypersonic flight vehicle design, development, and test
  • Active DOD security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Manager ($175K - $230K): Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 10+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr. Manager ($200K - $262K): Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 15+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Position based in Mojave, CA. It is strongly preferred the candidate be fully on-site.  Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangement at no less than 75-80% on-site time for well-qualified candidates.
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%

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

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

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

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