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.

As Flight Safety Analysis Technical Program Manager , you will be responsible for overseeing and advancing the safety programs and compliance frameworks across all facets of the company’s launch operations. This includes ensuring the development, implementation, and monitoring of Flight Safety Analysis methodologies, protocols, and policies that protect employees and assets, and enable launch missions. You will report directly to the VP of Safety and will collaborate closely with senior leadership and flight sciences to foster a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enabling Operations: Ensure that flight safety analysis data packages required to maintain operational pace meet quality control, timeline, and process standards for a variety of regulatory paths. Generate Means of Compliance methodology internally and determine innovative methods to streamline/eliminate services contracted to external entities.

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and shape the Flight Safety Analysis vision and strategy for the company’s launch programs, aligning safety goals with overall company objectives. Develop a roadmap to ensure the continued advancement of flight safety processes as the company scales.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international aerospace safety standards and regulations ( e.g., FAA, MDA, ASA, Federal Ranges, etc .), and manage relationships with regulatory bodies to maintain the company’s operational approvals.

• Risk Management: Develop, maintain, and implement at an organizational level scalable and repeatable flight safety analysis methodologies that adhere to launch organization requirements. Direct the identification, assessment, and mitigation of safety risks associated with horizontal launch testing programs, identifying potential flight safety hazards, and implementing proactive measures to prevent inadvertent destruction, maintain public safety, and enable launch approvals through the usage of advanced compliance processes.

• Leadership Reporting: Provide regular reports to the VP of Safety or other key personnel on safety performance, key risks, and compliance metrics. Prepare strategic recommendations for safety improvements.

• Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with Stratolaunch’s Flight Sciences and GNC teams, ensuring continuous improvement in safety processes and practices and timely delivery of process inputs. Manage any subcontracts needed to enable flight safety analysis data development.

• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis: Lead the Flight Safety Analysis portion of safety incidents, accidents, or near-misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis is conducted, and lessons learned are integrated into future safety practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in the aerospace, aviation, or space industry, with at least 5 years in a senior roles focused on safety, compliance, or risk management.

• Expertise: Deep understanding of flight safety analysis standards and technologies, launch safety regulations, and operational risk management within the context horizontal launch operations. Able to produce timely and accurate Means of Compliance documentation for external regulators.

• Leadership: Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving safety and compliance initiatives across an organization.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, partners, and the public.

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical field is required. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of advanced safety technologies and tools used in the aerospace industry ( e.g., predictive analytics, risk modeling, safety analytics ).

• Direct Industry Experience: Recognized experience within the aerospace safety community, with a strong network of contacts across the regulatory, operational, and academic sectors.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• ($144,000-$231,400): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable:

• Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for remote telework or hybrid ( partial remote/on-site work ) work location arrangements.

• May require up to 25% travel to other Stratolaunch or regulator locations, particularly during mission operations.

• #LI-Onsite

• #LI-WG1

Benefits (https://careers.stratolaunch.com/benefits/) and our location(s) :

• 9/80 schedule

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

• Tuition reimbursement

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role :

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum .

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Job Category: Safety & Mission Assurance

Req ID: 151