VP, Mission Operations

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.

The Vice President Mission Operations will serve as a critical member of the executive leadership team, helping to create and implement operational strategies, while collaboratively driving operational excellence throughout the enterprise and upholding the company’s safety culture.  He/she will be responsible for managing the profit and loss of the Operations group within Stratolaunch, accomplishing worldwide hypersonic missions safely, meeting schedule commitments, increasing our flight cadence, and ensuring data delivery to the company’s customers.  This executive will lead a team including functions such as Mission Planning, Execution and Flight Operations, Refurbishment and Maintenance, Ground Operations and Mission Support Departments.  The Vice President Mission Operations will lead the growth of the team executing the company manifest of 24+ flights annually while simultaneously supporting new development programs and access to new test ranges.  He/she will efficiently maintain team training and currency, obtain regulatory approvals, including working directly with the operational Ranges.  The VP of Mission Operations will act as a hands-on business partner and advisor to the CEO and colleagues leading key business functions.  Previous experience with U.S. government customers, mission operations, and government regulatory approvals are required to ensure the growth of the company and success of our customer missions. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of Flight Operations, Maintenance, Ground Operations and Mission Support, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Manage the overall financial performance and profitability of the Mission Operations organization
• Develop and implement organizational strategies to increase the company flight cadence
• Evaluate and determine operational strategies for reducing costs with the goal of increasing profitability without sacrificing safety
• Evaluate and update operational procedures while enhancing the company’s commitment to protecting its team, assets, and the public.
• Lead mission execution of personnel with diverse skill sets including test pilots, flight test engineers, MCC console operators, range licensing & airworthiness specialists, maintenance specialists, operations engineers, propulsion specialists, tech writers
• Ensure vehicles and ground support equipment maintain a flight ready state; maintain personnel currency to perform missions on-time and on-budget.
• Obtain regulatory approvals, including:
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launch license
  • Roc and 747 Experimental Airworthiness Certificates
  • Range approval for flight
  • Regulatory approval of Autonomous and Manual Flight Termination Systems
• Establish relationships and work with the Federal Ranges to ensure Stratolaunch’s approval to operate in worldwide locations
• Contribute to the annual budget planning process and ongoing forecasting process, incorporating key strategic decisions and directions into the financial plan; ensure departments are staying within budget and supporting the company’s financial objectives.
• Strategic and tactical business partner, reporting to the CEO, demonstrating strong partnership and collaboration with colleagues leading all business functions.
• Own Mission Operations standards and best practices, including the Deployment Readiness Review Process. Mission Operations also plays a large role in the Test and Flight Readiness Review processes owned by Engineering and Safety.
• Participate in the effort to digitize the company’s work products, ensuring the team’s decisions are aligned with the company objective of integrating all business systems.
• Interpret, analyze, and communicate the operating results along with strategic recommendations to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for the recruitment, performance management, and compensation of all reporting departments.
• Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, safety, and innovation within the Mission Operations team.
• Help drive development and measurement of key performance metrics.
• Contribute to company Business Development areas when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive experience with aerospace flight operations, including working with Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, Mission Control Center Operations, Ground Operations, Test Ranges, Aircraft Maintenance Operations and Deployed Operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing large teams and complex operations.
• Demonstrated ability for managing financial metrics, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Ability to lead departments and contribute to achieving programmatic schedules within a cost constrained environment.
• Experience setting personal and team benchmarks, regularly measuring success against goals, and being accountable for development outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to grow and maintain an operations team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a track record of making sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
• A demonstrated commitment to professional ethics, personal integrity, safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Able to represent the company with a high degree of professionalism and integrity to Range officials, customers, Board members, and suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively in a fluid, evolving, dynamic and high-pressure environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, aviation, or a related field.
• Formal flight test engineering and/or test pilot education desired.
• 20+ years of a track record for successful operations
• Aerospace and/ or Defense industry experience required.
• Strong understanding of risk management and effective mitigation strategies.
• Understanding of the regulatory approvals that are required for Stratolaunch to operate.
• Demonstrated experience track record of safely achieving revenue growth and profitability in a dynamic environment is strongly preferred.
• The ability to attain a TS/SCI clearance is required.
• $272,300-$357,100
• Eligible for up to 30% annual bonus

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Must be on-site at company Mojave facility at least four days per week.

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