Program Director - Targets

Stratolaunch · Mojave, California, United States

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-09-03
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

Apply at Stratolaunch

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 achieve these great efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Program Director. This visible leadership role is responsible for the successful execution of complex, multi-disciplinary programs, including strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership, and is responsible for all aspects of program delivery and organizational growth. The role spans the design and development, manufacturing, and flight test of a fleet of expendable hypersonic targets. A candidate for this role must be comfortable leading cross-functional teams in a strong matrixed environment, driving the execution of a high-complexity technical project. A strong candidate will have a strong sense of urgency and will be able to make difficult programmatic decisions in an environment where not all the desired information is available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead strategic program initiatives and present clear and concise information in executive forums, customer engagements, and internal leadership meetings

• Mentor, coach, and develop program managers and team leads across the program

Program Oversight & Execution

• Oversee execution of multiple, concurrent programs with full responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction

• Own and maintain a positive customer relationship by producing results

• Drive the adoption of advanced program management processes, tools, and best practices

• Make high-impact decisions affecting program direction, resource allocation, and risk posture

• Lead program forecasting and budgeting activities, ensuring accurate financial planning and alignment with organizational goals

• 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

Strategic Planning & Business Growth

• Partner with executive leadership and department heads to define long-term program strategies, business plans, and growth opportunities

• Lead the development of new business proposals, capture strategies, and customer engagement plans

• Identify and pursue opportunities for program expansion, technology insertion, and process improvement

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers, government agencies, and strategic partners

• Negotiate complex contracts, manage high-level customer relationships, and ensure alignment with customer objectives and expectations

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Oversee program risk management, compliance, and governance activities, including classified program execution and security requirements

• Proactively manage risk by developing risk mitigation plans and driving technical risks to closure with a high sense of urgency

• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards

Organizational Leadership

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, procurement, finance, legal) to ensure seamless program execution

• Champion overall team growth and development, including talent acquisition, onboarding, training, and professional advancement

• 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

Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to the C-suite and Board of Directors

• Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders

Travel

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

Qualifications

Required

• Progressive experience in technical and/or program management, 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

• Demonstrated success managing large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs with annual budgets >$100M

• Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations

Prepare for the interview

Nothing collected for this employer yet. The Blind 75 is what technical screens draw from; practise it here, with a coach, in Java or Python.

More at Stratolaunch

More like this

All open software jobs