Principal Program Manager

To achieve these great efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Program Manager with at least 20 years of relevant experience to lead the final assembly, integration, and testing of a supersonic missile system. The role spans the manufacturing and testing of missile subsystems at rate production. A candidate for this role must be comfortable leading cross-functional teams in a Strong Matrixed environment, driving the execution and optimization of a production system. A strong candidate will have missile system integration and manufacturing production experience.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leadership

• Act as the Program Manager, representing Stratolaunch as the singular POC to the prime organization.
• Lead a cross-functional team that spans the manufacturing, integration, and functional testing of a new missile system.
• Drive the team to meet schedule and budget goals, while also achieving all technical requirements.

1. Program Oversight & Execution

• Oversee execution of multiple projects with full responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, risk management, and customer satisfaction.
• Make high-impact decisions affecting program direction, resource allocation, and cost performance.
• Lead Stratolaunch schedule development, including risk mitigation planning.
• Lead program forecasting and budgeting activities, ensuring accurate financial planning and alignment with organizational goals.
• Drive the adoption of advanced program management processes, tools, and best practices.
• Manage revenue recognition and contract invoicing processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and timely billing.
• Monitor and report on program financial performance, proactively addressing variances and risks.

1. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the prime customer, government agencies, and strategic partners.
• Negotiate complex contracts, manage high-level customer relationships, and ensure alignment with customer objectives and expectations.

1. Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Oversee program risk management, compliance, and governance activities, including classified program execution and security requirements.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards.

1. Organizational Leadership

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional teams (supply chain, manufacturing, finance, legal) to ensure seamless program execution.
• Champion overall team growth and development, including talent acquisition, onboarding, training, and professional advancement, where applicable.
• Develop and manage senior-level talent pipelines and succession planning to support long-term organizational objectives.
• Promote team engagement, collaboration, and high performance through effective communication and recognition programs.
• Implement organizational development initiatives to enhance team capabilities and drive business results.

1. Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to company leadership.
• Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders.

1. Travel

• Domestic and occasional international travel as required to support program and company objectives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 20 years of experience in technical and/or program management roles, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal-level leadership role within aerospace, defense, or high-technology sectors.
• A strong sense of urgency, with the ability to make tough decisions in a technical environment.
• Experience manufacturing operational missile systems at rate production.
• Demonstrated success managing large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs.
• Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, supply chain management, missile system production, and personnel management.
• Proven track record of program leadership, including oversight of subcontractors and experience transitioning from prototype to rate production.
• Advanced risk management expertise and experience with classified programs.
• Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and drive organizational change.
• Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors.

Preferred:

• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification.
• Experience with classified program execution and secure environments.
• Supersonic missile system production, integration, and testing.

Required Computer Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• MS Project and other advanced project management tools

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in Engineering, Business Management/Administration, or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Master’s degree or higher preferred.
• 20+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Principal Program Manager $127,000 - $225,000 target bonus : Base salary and leveling established on a case-by-case basis, considering location, education, skills, and experience.