Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

To achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Program Manager – Launch Platforms with 10+ years of experience leading complex aerospace flight‑test, aircraft integration, or mission‑operations programs. This senior role is responsible for overseeing the full portfolio of launch platform activities, including certified and experimental aircraft integration, modification, maintenance, and mission‑readiness operations in support of high‑tempo hypersonic test campaigns.

The ideal candidate has deep flight‑test or aircraft operations experience, strong technical acumen, and demonstrated leadership within highly matrixed environments. The Principal PM will shape launch platform strategy, integrate technical readiness with operational demands, mitigate flight‑test risk, and deliver increased cadence, reliability, and affordability across Stratolaunch’s flight missions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Launch Platform Strategy

Serve as the senior program lead responsible for aircraft-level launch platform operations, readiness, and cross-functional integration
Develop and maintain an integrated launch‑platform roadmap that aligns aircraft technical maturity, flight‑test readiness, mission cadence targets, and customer contractual obligations
Represent launch‑platform status, risks, and decisions to executive leadership, customers, and major stakeholders

Flight-Test Transition & Operational Execution

Lead the integration of certified and experimental heavy aircraft for rapid‑pace hypersonic flight‑test operations
Oversee planning for aircraft modification, maintenance, and mission readiness, integrating actions, risks, dependencies, and technical maturity milestones into a unified program plan
Develop and manage cross‑functional aircraft resource plans, flight‑test support staffing, and scheduling required to meet mission cadence objectives
Coordinate Engineering, Operations, Flight Test, and Maintenance teams to ensure consistent, predictable aircraft readiness for all test objectives
Resolve operational blockers, aircraft availability constraints, technical issues, or flight‑test risks impacting cost, schedule, or mission success

Cost, Schedule & Contract Performance

Manage aircraft‑level cost, schedule, and technical performance for launch‑platform operations under government and commercial contracts
Ensure compliance with applicable government contracting and financial‑tracking requirements, including forecasting, cost modeling, and variance analysis
Drive development and refinement of aircraft operating cost models (fuel, maintenance, crew proficiency flights, spare parts, etc.)
Lead customer-facing reviews, audits, and contract engagements related to launch‑platform scope, mission cadence adjustments, or technical modifications

Technical Support & Platform Integration

Partner with engineering and program teams to integrate new technologies onto launch platforms, ensuring configuration management, verification, and readiness for flight
Support aircraft and crew qualification, maintenance test flights, and mission readiness testing, ensuring all technical requirements are satisfied before execution
Analyze aircraft reliability data, flight‑test trends, and technical maturity metrics to drive continuous improvement across launch platforms
Integrate engineering changes, producibility improvements, and operational enhancements into the program plan

Risk Management & Compliance

Own portfolio‑level flight‑test and aircraft integration risks for certified and experimental launch platforms