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.
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead our manufacturing engineering team in the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes. This leader will guide a team of engineers and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure that our production methods are efficient, repeatable, safe, and cost-effective-while maintaining compliance with quality standards. This role sets the foundation for how advanced manufacturing supports both proto@type development and scalable production.
The successful candidate will bring a proven background in aerospace manufacturing while also leveraging insights from other industries to introduce fresh prospectives, streamline practices and push the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace production.
Why Join Us
As our first dedicated Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will shape the way we develop, build, and scale our manufacturing processes. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence how advanced technologies move from concept to flight-ready vehicles by applying modern, practical, and cost-conscious manufacturing methods. You will lead a team at the intersection of design and production, building systems that improve quality, efficiency, and scalability.
We are looking for someone who thrives in both proto@type and production environments, who is excited to apply lessons from both aerospace and other industries to challenge convention and drive innovation. You'll have the opportunity to set the tone for a culture of continuous improvement, mentor and grow a high-performing team, and leave a lasting impact on how manufacturing evolves at Stratolaunch.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and develop a high performing manufacturing engineering team, establishing best practices and fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Drive process optimization across all manufacturing domains (composites, machining, welding, electrical, assembly), developing scalable methods that balance proto@type agility with production discipline.
Influence product designs through Design for Manufacturability (DFM) participation, providing inputs that improve manufacturability and cost-conscious design trade-offs that reduce complexity and optimize material and process choices.
Establish and implement best-in-class manufacturing processes, documentation, and training systems that ensure consistency, repeatability, and compliance with aerospace standards.
Partner with program and production leadership to ensure processes directly support program schedules, product quality, and cost targets.
Implement modern manufacturing methodologies including lean, digital manufacturing, and automation where appropriate, ensuring the organization continues to evolve with industry best practices.
Drive cost reduction initiatives by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and introducing practical manufacturing approaches that maintain product integrity while lowering complexity and expense.
Ensure the manufacturing engineering function is directly accountable to production outcomes, measured in quality, throughput, and delivery performance.
Collaborate with supply chain on material selection, sourcing strategies, and vendor qualification to align process capability and cost efficiency.
Influence make vs buy evaluations to guide strategic sourcing, capacity planning, and internal capability development.
Champion safety by embedding best practices in process design, tooling, and training, ensuring compliance with OSHA and industry standards.
Act as a cultural leader in transitioning manufacturing into a modern, proactive, and continuous-improvement-driven function.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
Proven leadership experience in manufacturing engineering with direct accountability for production outcomes in advanced manufacturing.
10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, with at least 5 years in aerospace or similarly complex, regulated industries.
Strong background in cost reduction, lean manufacturing, and implementation of modern production methods.
Deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, standards, and requirements, combined with practical knowledge of cost-conscious, high-efficiency methods.
Strong communication and leadership skills, with a track record of building, mentoring, and developing high performing technical teams.
Demonstrated ability to influence design for manufacturability, driving solutions that simplify builds, reduce costs, and improve scalability.
Knowledge of AS9100, and aerospace manufacturing quality standards; familiarity with PPAP, FAI, and process validation methods.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP or MES systems.
Preferred:
Cross-industry perspective (e.g., automotive, motorsports, eVTOL, industrial manufacturing) with the ability to apply lessons learned to aerospace manufacturing challenges.
Extensive experience in manufacturing methods across composites, machining, fabrication, electrical systems, propulsion, welding/forming, and systems integration.
Experience transitioning from proto@type to production environments.
Hands-on experience with tooling design, automation, and digital manufacturing systems.
Experience in developing factory layouts and scaling production facilities.
Experience applying lean principles, automation, and digital tools to improve throughput and reduce waste.
Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement expertise.
Work Environment:
Expected to be onsite >80% of nominal 9/80 scheduled workdays.
Manufacturing environment supporting both proto@type and production programs.
This role requires presence both in the office and on the production floor.
Limited travel may be required to support supplier collaboration, program reviews, or build events.
Benefits and our location:
$145,000-$230,500
This position is in Mojave, CA
Relocation eligible to local area - Mojave, CA
Eligible for annual bonus
Benefits (https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/benefits/) and our location(s) (https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/locations/) :
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
This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
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.
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. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
Job Category: Manufacturing
Req ID: 246
