Program Director

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, launch vehicle integration, and ground systems.
• Proven track record of technical leadership, including oversight of subcontractors and prototype/low-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.

Preferred:

• Boost-glide hypersonic vehicle technology and hypersonic vehicle development experience.
• Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors.
• Air-launch, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft integration program experience.
• Large transport category or military aircraft operations experience.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification.
• Experience with classified program execution and secure environments.

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.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Director, Program Management ($214,000-$250,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher and 15+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Sr. Director, Program Management ($252,000-$292,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher and 15+ years relevant program management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

9/80 Schedule