Program Manager - Manufacturing, Talon Vehicle

Stratolaunch · Mojave, California, United States

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-10-02
  • Confirmed live on 14 October 2026

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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 support these advanced development efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Staff Program Manager –Manufacturing with 10–15 years of relevant experience in fast‑paced, highly technical aerospace or defense environments. This role focuses on planning, coordinating, and executing prototype manufacturing activities, with a particular emphasis on low‑rate developmental production (1–2 units per year).

The ideal candidate thrives in rapid‑iteration environments, integrates technical and manufacturing inputs effectively, and ensures prototype hardware is built, controlled, and delivered on schedule while meeting stringent technical requirements. A strong candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex prototype builds with evolving requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Cross‑Functional Integration

• Serve as the program lead for prototype manufacturing activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and test

• Drive strong communication and alignment across technical, operational, and programmatic stakeholders

• Mentor junior program staff and contribute to improving prototype build processes and organizational best practices

Prototype Manufacturing Execution

• Develop and maintain the integrated prototype build plan, incorporating scope, configuration requirements, and cross-functional inputs; manage program-level cost, schedule, risk, and delivery impacts resulting from changing technical inputs

• Coordinate manufacturing readiness efforts for developmental systems, including tooling, work instructions, configuration management, and build sequencing

• Integrate cross-functional readiness inputs for developmental builds into the prototype build plan; track associated actions, risks, dependencies, milestones, and program impacts

• Integrate functional improvement plans and prototype-build lessons learned into the program plan to inform future builds, reduce program schedule risk, and support maturation of critical build processes

• Lead resolution of prototype manufacturing challenges, including supply‑chain constraints, integration issues, and late‑stage engineering changes

Cost, Schedule & Program Performance

• Develop and maintain the integrated prototype build schedule and cost plan, including labor-hour and resource forecasts, aligned with functional plans and delivery commitments

• Identify and manage risks to cost, schedule, and technical performance; implement mitigation plans

• Support earned‑value processes, cost reporting, and forecasting appropriate for developmental manufacturing programs

• Ensure alignment between prototype build plans and overall program strategy

Technical Support & Build Quality

• Partner with engineering to ensure prototype designs are producible, testable, and properly documented

• Integrate functional quality, acceptance, and documentation plans into the prototype build plan; track associated readiness, risks, and delivery impacts

• Coordinate design iterations and prototype updates with functional stakeholders, integrating configuration, traceability, compliance, and build-plan impacts

Customer, Stakeholder & Contract Support

• Support customer‑facing reviews, progress briefings, and discussions related to prototype status or manufacturing risks

• Ensure prototype build activities comply with contractual and regulatory requirements, including government reporting when applicable

• Collaborate with Contracts, Finance, and Supply Chain to support modifications, scope changes, and resource planning

Risk Management & Compliance

• Lead identification and mitigation of manufacturing risks related to prototype complexity, supply‑chain delays, or evolving technical requirements

• Ensure compliance with export control laws, quality standards, and government contract provisions

• Communicate build progress, delivery schedules, and manufacturing challenges clearly and proactively to program leadership

• Support classified program discussions as required

Travel

• Domestic travel as required to support program and business objectives

Required Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace or defense program management, manufacturing, or development environments

• Demonstrated success leading prototype or early development manufacturing efforts

• Experience managing low‑rate builds (1–2 units per year) or similar small‑batch, high‑complexity manufacturing

• Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent experience

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