Description

Position Summary

Stratolaunch is developing an air-launch platform to contribute to high-speed research and development.  The goal of Stratolaunch is to use the air-launch platform for enabling technologies that may not otherwise exist.  Stratolaunch has the potential for creating technology development opportunities for commercial, philanthropic, and governmental organizations to collect rich and actionable data and drive advancements in science, research, and technology.

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) you will play a pivotal role in leading and driving technological innovation for our organization. You will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the company technical roadmap, ensuring that we maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced and dynamic field of hypersonic testing.  This role will be a critical partner to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Revenue Officer in the development of product offerings for our customers.  You will be responsible for contributing to the company’s business strategy and then developing and implementing the company’s technical roadmap.  Furthermore, you will be responsible for contributing to independent review of the company’s design and test of hypersonic vehicles.  Additionally, you will be the primary technical point of contact for the company’s customer base, including traveling to participate in customer meetings. 

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Revenue Officer to contribute to the company business strategy and develop the technical roadmap supporting the business initiatives
• Technological Strategy Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive technological strategy aligned with the company’s goals, focusing on hypersonic technology advancements and future growth opportunities.
• Technology Roadmap: Develop and maintain a technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic objectives, outlining key milestones, timelines, and resource requirements for the development and deployment of hypersonic technologies and products.
• Technology Identification: Use the company’s technical roadmap efforts to identify, evaluate, and adopt cutting-edge technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to hypersonic systems.
• Customer development: Act as the primary technical interface with customers, answering questions, addressing technical concerns, representing the company in technical forums, and contributing original materials to business development activities.
• Independent evaluation: As needed, provide independent technical review for Stratolaunch hypersonic programs. As requested, assemble technical experts, manage technical subject matter experts, contribute to company risk management, and lead technical design reviews to ensure Stratolaunch reaches the technical rigor required for hypersonic flight.
• Innovation Management: Foster a culture of innovation by promoting collaboration and idea generation among cross-functional teams, encouraging breakthrough thinking, and facilitating the translation of ideas into practical applications.
• Technological Partnerships: Identify and establish strategic partnerships with external organizations, research institutions, and industry experts to leverage expertise, enhance knowledge sharing, and support collaborative research and development efforts.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of regulatory requirements and industry standards pertaining to overland hypersonic flight, contributing to approval and mitigating potential risks.
• Intellectual Property Management: Manage the company’s intellectual property portfolio by identifying, protecting, and leveraging patents, trade secrets, and other proprietary information related to hypersonic technology.
• Industry Trends and Competitive Analysis: Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies in the hypersonic field, providing insights and recommendations to the executive leadership team for business strategy and planning purposes.
• Collaboration and Communication: Foster effective cross-functional collaboration and communication between engineering, research, business development, and other departments to ensure the successful integration of hypersonic technology initiatives with overall company operations. Develop original materials and participate in Stratolaunch Board meetings and calls.
• Proposal Development: Contribute to business proposals by providing technical inputs and aligning the appropriate technical solution with the business strategy to meet the customer’s needs.

Qualifications

• A master’s or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and significant relevant experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience (20+ years) in a technology leadership role within the aerospace industry, with a focus on hypersonic technology development, R&D, and innovation.
• Hypersonic Technology Expertise: In-depth knowledge and understanding of hypersonic flight systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamics, aerothermal interactions, materials science, and related technologies. Familiarity with industry-specific challenges, best practices, and emerging trends.
• Demonstrated experience identifying technologies and products with business potential and then converting them into useful company products.
• Proven ability to develop and execute technology strategies that align with business objectives, driving innovation and competitive advantage.
• Strong leadership abilities, with a track record of leading high-performing technical teams. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Established professional network within the aerospace industry, including connections with research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners.
• Familiarity with relevant aerospace regulations, safety standards, export controls, and intellectual property laws.
• Ability to write and contribute original material to proposals, white papers, and Board materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capability to evaluate complex technical challenges and provide effective solutions.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with employees, fellow C-suite members, Board members, and customers.
• Ability to obtain a TS and/or SCI security clearance
• Travel estimated at 25 – 50 percent of the month

Benefits and our location:

• $280,000-$493,000
• Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA
• 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 the IRS annual limit
• Tuition reimbursement

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.

Applicants must be a US citizen or Green Card holder to be considered for this role.
 

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf