Program Manager, Hypersonic Vehicle

Description

The company runs reusable hypersonic flight tests with autonomous, air-launched vehicles that fly above Mach 5. The data they produce helps customers check system performance and move technologies closer to deployment.

The team combines engineering, manufacturing and flight operations on work tied to national security.

This senior role covers design and development, manufacturing and flight test for a fleet of next-generation reusable hypersonic test vehicles. You will own delivery and help grow the organization.

You will lead people in a strongly matrixed setup and drive a technically demanding project, making hard program calls when not all information is available.

Responsibilities

• Own cost, schedule, technical performance and customer satisfaction across several concurrent programs.
• Keep customers satisfied by delivering results.
• Make high-impact calls on program direction, resource allocation and risk posture.
• Lead forecasting and budgeting so financial plans match organizational goals.
• Track program financial performance and act early on variances and risks.
• Oversee revenue recognition and contract invoicing, keeping to accounting standards and billing on time.
• Act as the main contact for key customers, government agencies and strategic partners, negotiating complex contracts and managing senior customer relationships.
• Drive technical risks to closure through risk mitigation plans.
• Oversee risk, compliance and governance, including classified program execution and security requirements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual and quality standards.
• Lead cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, procurement, finance and legal.
• Work with executives and department heads on long-term program strategy, business plans, growth, new proposals, capture strategies and customer engagement plans.
• Find opportunities for program expansion, technology insertion and process improvement.
• Drive adoption of advanced program management processes, tools and practices.
• Lead and mentor program managers and team leads, including talent pipelines, succession planning, hiring, onboarding and training.
• Build a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement, and keep teams engaged through communication and recognition.
• Present clear, concise information to executives, customers and leadership meetings.
• Provide regular program status reports and executive briefings to the C-suite and Board of Directors.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of progressive technical and/or program management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in aerospace, defense or high-technology.
• A strong sense of urgency and the ability to make tough decisions in technical settings.
• A record of running large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs with annual budgets above $100M.
• Extensive experience in aerospace program management, subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration and ground systems.
• Proven technical leadership, including overseeing subcontractors and prototype or low-rate production.
• Advanced risk management skills and experience with classified programs.
• Excellent facilitation, negotiation and executive communication skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Proven ability to lead in a quick-moving environment and drive organizational change.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher in engineering, business management or administration, or a related field from an accredited institution, plus 10+ years of relevant program management experience, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), plus MS Project and other advanced project management tools.
• Preferred: airbreathing propulsion and hypersonic vehicle development experience.
• Preferred: experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies and major defense contractors.
• Preferred: air-launch, launch vehicle and/or aircraft integration program experience.
• Preferred: large transport category or military aircraft operations experience.
• Preferred: PMP, PgMP or equivalent advanced project or program management certification.
• Preferred: experience with classified program execution and secure environments.

Conditions

Staff Program Manager base pay is $134,000-$158,600. Base salary and level are set case by case, based on location, education and the skills and experience shown in interviews.

Based in Mojave, CA, at Mojave Air & Spaceport, just outside Lancaster and Palmdale and about 95 miles north of Los Angeles.

Onsite at least 80% of normal workdays.

9/80 schedule.

Supporting flight test may require off-nominal hours and weekends.

Travel of about 10% or less, domestic and occasionally international.

Eligible for relocation within the local area.

The role may involve operating company vehicles.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on each contributed dollar, up to $11,500.
• Tuition reimbursement.