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 support these advanced development efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Staff Program Manager –Manufacturing with 10+ 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