Program Manager - Launch Platforms

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 Identify and mitigate risks related to flight operations, integration schedules, technical maturity, aircraft maintenance, and mission readiness Ensure compliance with government regulations, export controls, flight‑test safety standards, and contract requirements across launch‑platform activities Support classified or sensitive flight‑test operations within secure environments as required Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as the primary point of contact for launch‑platform status on major government and defense programs Communicate aircraft readiness, mission and maintenance schedules, technical risks, and operational challenges clearly and proactively to customers and senior leadership Support proposal development, mission planning reviews, and technical interchange meetings related to launch‑platform capabilities and test operations Reporting & Communication Provide regular, comprehensive program status reports and executive briefings to the Program Directors, C-suite, and Board of Directors Communicate program vision, goals, and progress to internal and external stakeholders Travel Domestic and some international travel as required to support flight‑test operations and customer objectives Required Qualifications Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aerospace program management, aircraft operations, flight‑test integration, or mission‑execution leadership Direct experience working with certified and/or experimental heavy aircraft or complex flight‑test execution Strong technical background (engineering degree or equivalent technical experience) Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional teams within high‑tempo, technically complex aerospace environments Proven ability to deliver cost, schedule, and technical performance un