General Manager, Systems

On-site

STRATOLAUNCH HUNTSVILLE Help build the next chapter of hypersonic flight.

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.

Stratolaunch is seeking a General Manager, Systems to serve as a business unit leader with full P&L responsibility, overseeing a multi-program aerospace and defense operation. The business unit will deliver the development, prototyping, and production scaling of aerospace and defense subsystems, delivering complex subsystems to prime contractors. The GM is accountable for overall operations, business unit strategy, customer relationships, business unit growth, and for positioning the organization as a leader in its market segment. This individual balances strategic vision with hands-on execution, making sound trade-off decisions across cost, schedule, and performance while building and maintaining a high-performing aerospace team. A strong candidate requires a strong sense of urgency, ownership, and the ability to successfully organize and lead a large group of aerospace professionals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

P&L, Financial Management

Hold full P&L ownership for the business unit, managing and driving the team to achieve revenue, cash, bookings, and profit objectives

Develop annual operating budgets and business unit objectives, along with multi-year financial forecasts

Drive contract pricing, cost-reduction, and productivity initiatives to achieve business unit objectives

Report financial and operational performance to executive leadership

Determine where to place investments in infrastructure and technical capabilities to strengthen and grow the business unit

Product-Line and Program Leadership

Deliver customer satisfaction by ensuring programs deliver results on-schedule, on-budget, to meet technical requirements, and aligned to business objectives

Oversee and drive multiple product lines and programs simultaneously, balancing competing priorities and resource constraints

Manage business unit and program risks proactively, using discipline and mitigation planning

Recruit, grow, build, and maintain a high-performing and multi-skilled aerospace team to deliver best-in-class performance to customers

Remove barriers for the team by leading yourself, and through department functions, to support program execution

Guide products or programs from inception through full-rate production, partnering with engineering, program management, and business development on roadmap and lifecycle decisions

Operations & Facilities

Direct and guide Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and day-to-day operational execution, driving the organization through quantified OKR’s and KPI’s

Own facilities strategy, capacity planning, and capital investment projects

Ensure compliance with all quality, safety, and regulatory requirements, including AS9100, ITAR, CMMC, DCSA, and state and local codes

People Leadership

Directly lead Program Directors, Manufacturing, & Facilities functions, building a high-performing organization through coaching and development

Lead in an environment where many functions are matrixed to the business unit: Business Development, Engineering, Quality, Safety, IT, Supply Chain, Security, etc

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

Set a clear vision and direction for the team as an open, honest communicator

Recruit, develop, and retain talent to scale the organization

Strategic Ownership

Act as the primary point of responsibility for the business unit's overall performance

Serve as a senior representative of the company, engaging customers, partners, and industry forums while providing regular performance updates to executive leadership

Identify and pursue growth opportunities within the portfolio

QUALIFICATIONS

20+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or related high-technology manufacturing environments, including direct P&L ownership

Technical background in fabrication, assembly, and integration of electrical and mechanical subsystems for aerospace vehicles

Prior experience leading through subordinate directors or managers across program, production, and facilities functions

Proven record of hiring, developing, and building successful teams

Proven track record of driving successful change management at a senior level

Demonstrated ability to make difficult trade-off decisions under constraints

Strong financial acumen — budgeting, forecasting, and profit margin management

Strong Program Management background

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline required; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred

U.S. citizenship required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in the fabrication, assembly, and integration of missile and interceptor systems

Experience in hypersonic or defense manufacturing environments

Background scaling operations in a high-growth company

Familiarity with government contracting (OTA, FAR/DFARS)

Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, and quality systems

Compensation & Benefits

General Manager $196,300 - $315,391 with 30% target bonus. Base salary and leveling established on a case-by-case basis, considering location, education, skills, and experience.

9/80 schedule

This position and any resulting offer of employment may be contingent upon the timing and receipt of a related contract award.

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.

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

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Huntsville, Alabama, known as the Rocket City, combines a thriving aerospace and defense community with the affordability, outdoor access, and quality of life of the Tennessee Valley. Home to Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and one of the nation’s largest concentrations of aerospace, defense, and technology organizations, Huntsville has played a major role in America’s space and defense programs for generations—and continues to be at the center of what comes next.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville offers plenty to explore. Monte Sano State Park sits just minutes from d