Engineering Section Manager - Avionics

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

 Stratolaunch is seeking a high-impact, team-oriented leader to manage the Avionics Section. In this role, you will report directly to the Engineering Department Manager at Stratolaunch, working as a trusted team member along with all other Section Managers, as we grow the Engineering team and its capabilities to support the business. You will manage and develop the engineering talent responsible for Avionics design, integration, test, and analysis. An ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, relevant technical expertise, experience managing technical teams and a passion for people.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support direct reports and programs through technical guidance and peer review in area(s) of expertise
• Collaborate with senior technical leaders to establish and enforce technical best practices and standards
• Support Department Manager with employee development and retention initiatives
• Partner with Department Manager, Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition across the hiring workflow to identify qualified candidates, establish strong interview teams, and hire engineering talent in alignment with strategic program goals
• Lead performance management and development efforts for direct reports in partnership with the Department Manager and Human Resources
• Support direct reports in complying with applicable policies and procedures (e.g. timekeeping, employee handbook, etc.)
• Partner with programs and Department Manager to meet tactical staffing needs and resolve resource conflicts
• Support Department Manager in developing and executing strategic staffing initiatives
• Support proposal efforts as required
• NOTE: The Section Manager role is not fully indirect. Employees in this role must be able to balance overhead management effort with tasking that is chargeable to programs or other support functions. (e.g. Bid & Proposal, or IR&D)

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated success as an individual technical contributor and/or technical team leader
• Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees
• Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended problems
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
• Technical expertise in at least one engineering domain of relevance to the Section
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOW security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in matrixed organizations and staffing technical personnel across multiple programs
• Experience leading and managing small-to-medium sized technical teams (10+) in resource constrained environments (e.g. aerospace development programs)
• Active DOW security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Manager ($116,000-$196,000): Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 10+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr. Manager ($182,000-$238,000): Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 15+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Work location is dependent on multiple factors, including the business needs of the specific role and the geographic distribution of the employees to be manage
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%
• 9/80 Schedule

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

• 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 just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.  

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   :