Flight Safety Analysis Technical Program Manager

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 wit