Principal Product Innovation Lead

About the role

Stratolaunch is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, specializing in operational testing at speeds that exceed Mach

5. The Principal Product Innovation Lead will play a pivotal role in bridging various departments, including Business Development, Government Relations, Advanced Programs, and Engineering. This position is essential for identifying and nurturing new business opportunities, transforming them into actionable programs. The role requires close collaboration with senior leadership to ensure that emerging prospects align with the company's technological investments and strategic goals.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Work with diverse teams to pinpoint and cultivate new business prospects that align with the company's strategic vision.
• Partner with the Vice President of Advanced Programs to explore funding avenues that can transition internal R&D efforts into tangible projects.
• Ensure that new customer opportunities are in sync with Stratolaunch's technology roadmap and ongoing development initiatives.
• Develop technical concepts and product roadmaps that encourage customer adoption of innovative capabilities.
• Oversee the transition of technologies developed internally into programs funded by customers through meticulous planning and coordination.
• Support capture initiatives by drafting white papers, technical documentation, and proposals that effectively communicate project value.
• Collaborate with Program Management to facilitate seamless transitions from capture to program execution, including travel to engage with customers and conduct technical reviews.
• Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are informed and aligned throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decisions and identify potential partnership opportunities.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging team members to contribute ideas and solutions that enhance product offerings.
• Participate in industry conferences and events to represent Stratolaunch and promote its technological advancements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering their professional development within the organization.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical projects that span multiple organizations and disciplines.
• In-depth understanding of aerospace systems development and the product lifecycle management process.
• Proven track record in supporting government capture initiatives and driving strategic business growth.
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with executive leadership, government clients, and technical teams.
• Experience in crafting technical roadmaps and integrated development plans that align with business objectives.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles and multidisciplinary approaches to aerospace development.
• Knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition processes and defense contracting practices.
• A background in hypersonic systems and advanced aerospace technologies is highly desirable.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Capacity to influence and engage stakeholders across various functional areas without direct authority.
• Must be eligible for obtaining a security clearance.

Education & experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related STEM field is essential.
• A Master's degree is preferred and can enhance candidacy.
• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology sectors is required.
• Experience in advanced research, technology transition, or new product development is crucial.
• Collaboration with government entities such as the DoD, DARPA, or NASA is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with hypersonic systems or flight test programs is a plus.

Practical notes

• Salary range: $209,000 - $225,000
• Eligible for an annual bonus of up to 15%.
• This role offers a hybrid work environment and may also be based in Huntsville, AL, or another approved location.
• Frequent travel is necessary, including trips to Washington, D.C., Mojave, CA, and Huntsville, AL, as well as other domestic and international destinations.

Stratolaunch is dedicated to fostering a diverse workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination or harassment in any employment aspect. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain roles due to the necessity of government clearance.

About the company

High-speed flight test services form the core work of this American aerospace team. Company roots trace to 2011, created by Paul Allen and Burt Rutan to explore air-launched space transport. Home base is Seattle. Earlier collaboration on SpaceShipOne informed the project. New ownership arrived in 2019 through Cerberus Capital Management. Funding remains private. Operations follow a non-traditional defense contractor model, focusing on test missions and system development under continued private investment.