Development Program Manager

stratolaunch

Mojave, California, United States · Mojave · United States

Posted May 2, 2026

Other
Program Management

Job description

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.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Development Program Manager. In this role, you will report to the Program Element / Development Program Manager and be responsible for execution of programs/projects that will integrate into the broader Talon-A Launch System. You will interface with internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis to help develop requirements, manage schedules, and provide updates. You will be part of the hypersonic vehicle engineering team, collaborating with the manufacturing, engineering and operations. You will work with the Stratolaunch contracts team to ensure customer milestones are achieved. You will work with the hypersonic vehicle program management team to ensure the customer needs are communicated and integrated with program planning tools and flight manifests.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead an integrated product team through the full program life cycle
Develop budgets and schedules for managing assigned programs
Responsible for cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction
Make final decisions that affects cost and/or schedule constraints
Implement program management tools, as needed, to facilitate program execution
Contribute to developing statements of work, establishing program review gates, setting milestones with applicable entry and exit criteria, and evaluating subcontractor capabilities
Work with the procurement team to ensure subcontractors are delivering products on deadline and within budget
Evaluate risks and mitigation plans to determine adequacy and effectiveness
Lead the creation of proposals
Contribute to the company business plan with forecasts of schedule, budget, and personnel
Regular and comprehensive communication to the Sr. Programs Manager
Travel, as needed, to support the company and program
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

Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration, ground systems
Experience with technical aerospace leadership, including working with subcontractors
Experience with prototype manufacturing or low-rate production
Experience with risk management
Facilitation skills and ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to gain support or resolve concerns
Strong analytical problem-solving skills and ability to implement sound critical thinking skills
Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
Ability to obtain a security clearance at the TS level
Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

PREFERRED

Experience with government agencies (customers and regulatory)
Experience with air-launch programs
Launch vehicle and/or aircraft integration experience
Large transport category or military aircraft operations experience
Experience with classified programs and working in a classified environment
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Sr. Program Manager ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) or higher in a Business Management/Business Administration and/or Engineering discipline from an accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Staff Program Manager ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) or higher in a Business Management/Business Administration and/or Engineering discipline from an accredited institution and 10+ years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

This position is located in Mojave, CA
Semi-frequent travel required to domestic locations

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 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 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