Program Manager- Manufacturing, Targets

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security. To achieve these critical efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Principal Program Manager – Manufacturing with 15+ years of experience leading production‑focused aerospace or defense programs. This senior role is responsible for transitioning complex systems from prototype development into stable, repeatable production with an annual target of roughly 50 units per year. The ideal candidate has experience with missile and/or interceptor systems, a strong technical background, and deep familiarity with government contracts, compliance, and production oversight. A successful candidate will demonstrate leadership within a highly matrixed environment, guiding cross‑functional teams through manufacturing readiness, rate readiness, supply‑chain constraints, and factory execution while ensuring full alignment with program requirements, customer expectations, and operational goals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Manufacturing Strategy Serve as the senior manufacturing program lead for transitioning products from prototype to structured production. Develop and maintain an integrated manufacturing roadmap with cross-functional collaboration that aligns capacity, readiness, technical maturity, and contract obligations Represent manufacturing program status and decisions to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders. Mentor program managers, manufacturing engineers, and cross‑functional leads involved in production operations. Production Transition & Execution Support Manufacturing readiness reviews and process-capability evaluations by integrating functional readiness inputs, actions, risks, dependencies, and milestones into the program plan Oversee build planning, rate readiness planning, and factory sequencing to support production targets of ~50 units/year. Drive coordination between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Test teams to ensure stable, predictable production flow. Ensure functional plans for configuration management, work instructions, quality gates, and test/acceptance procedures are integrated into the program plan and aligned with production cost, schedule, and delivery commitments Resolve factory bottlenecks, supply chain disruptions, and technical blockers impacting cost, schedule, or throughput. Cost, Schedule & Contract Performance Manage program cost, schedule, and technical performance for manufacturing execution under government and commercial contracts. Ensure compliance with EVMS principles, government reporting requirements, and contractual manufacturing obligations. Drive forecasting, budgeting, and production cost model development for labor, materials, capital equipment, and rate increases. Lead customer facing manufacturing reviews, audits, and contract negotiations related to scope changes, build rate changes, or production modifications. Technical Support & Integration Partner with engineering to incorporate producibility improvements, design for manufacturing changes, and reliability/stability enhancements. Support qualification, acceptance, and production test campaigns, ensuring manufacturing processes meet technical requirements. Analyze production data, yield trends, and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement; integrate associated risks, recovery actions, and decisions into the program plan Risk Management & Compliance Identify and mitigate manufacturing risks related to supply chain constraints, rate increases, design immaturity, test availability, or factory resource limitations. Ensure compliance with governm…

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