Principal Program Manager

To achieve these great efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Program Manager with at least 20 years of relevant experience. This visible leadership role is responsible for the successful execution of complex, multi-disciplinary programs, including strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership, and direct support of the Program Director in all aspects of program delivery and organizational growth. The role spans the design and modification, manufacturing, and flight test of a fleet of reusable hypersonic test vehicles. A candidate for this role must be comfortable leading cross-functional teams in a strong matrixed environment, driving the execution of highly complex, technical projects. A strong candidate will be able to make difficult programmatic decisions in an environment where not all the desired information is available.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leadership

• Lead strategic program initiatives and represent the Program Director in executive forums, customer engagements, and internal leadership meetings.
• Mentor, coach, and develop program managers and team leads across the organization.

1. Program Oversight & Execution

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

1. Strategic Planning & Business Growth

• Partner with the Program Director and executive leadership 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.

1. 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.

1. Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Oversee program risk management, compliance, and governance activities, including classified program execution and security requirements.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, contractual, and quality standards.

1. 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.

1. Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to the Program Director, C-suite, and Board of Directors.
• Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders.

1. Travel

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

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 20 years of 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:

• 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.
• 20+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Principal Program Manager $127,000 - $225,000 target bonus : Base salary and leveling established on a case-by-case basis, considering location, education, skills, and experience.