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. The **Vehicle Lead** is responsible for the efficient execution of the entire work scope and manufacturing of a hypersonic vehicle. The Vehicle Lead will manage and coordinate production and processing activities of that assigned vehicle. The Lead will oversee vehicle manufacturing and confer with shop leads, program management, and manufacturing leadership to resolve manufacturing, production, and/or processing problems. The Vehicle Lead will review manufacturing schedules and work orders to make decisions concerning inventory and staffing requirements. The Vehicle Lead will give guidance through leadership to all shop leads pertaining to their vehicle to achieve the company and program goals. They will motivate and support program personnel in the achievement of shared goals, demonstrate authority, integrity, and credibility. The Vehicle Lead will work together with engineering and program management to understand the program constraints, including cost and schedule, and relay this information to program shop personnel. The Vehicle Lead will be responsible for and stay informed and aware of all manufacturing disciplines associated with the production of the Vehicle to the point it is ready for testing. **ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES** **Work Directly with engineering, planning, and program management** + Take ownership of assigned vehicle and all quality of work performed + Track detailed status of each Work Order in process + Plan and support manufacturing based upon schedule needs + Work with Shop Leads to set achievable goals for program shop personnel + Identify challenges and help achieve a timely resolution + Keep program and manufacturing leadership informed about the program performance and morale of assigned shop personnel. + Communicate vehicle status on all aspects to program management, leadership, and engineering + Help shop leads and crews understand schedule expectations + Prepare and present daily report on Safety, Quality, Schedule, and Labor **Communication** + Able to communicate with Production Personnel, Engineering, Supply Chain and peers + Has ability to bring teams together, and can guide them to resolve issues + Communicates with clarity, structure, and conciseness. + Ensure Shop leads understand instructions and program expectations + Keep all need-to-know personnel informed on a daily basis + Always conduct yourself in a professional manner **Quality** + Can demonstrate ability to measure quality, manage the results to minimize number of defects. + Manufacture quality parts, assemble and maintain vehicle with the highest level of attention to detail to ensure overall standards are met during the manufacturing process + Ensure vehicle team members are working to and meeting proper manufacturing techniques, engineering definition, standardized procedures, and drawings. + Model a sense of ownership for every Shop Lead and their team members to ensure they understand that they are responsible for every task they perform at Stratolaunch and the parts they work on + Identify quality issues with manufacturing and assembly, involve program and manufacturing leadership and engineering to help resolve issues as required **Performance** + Responsible for providing a fun, yet professional working environment for vehicle team members. + Responsible for recommending development and training opportunities for members of the team to Shop Lead(s) + Act as a model of personal integrity, high productivity, and safe working habits **QUALIFICATIONS** + Deep knowledge of prototype aircraft manufacturing + Possesses and demonstrates working knowledge of the manufacturing process, standard procedures, and aircraft modifications. + Proven leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills + Strong problem solving and analytical skills **EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE** + 7+ years of experience in aircraft manufacturing and assembly in a shop leadership role + Experience in more than one area of Aircraft Manufacturing disciplines: Composite work, Airframe, Avionics, Propulsion, Systems, Thermal Protection. + Practical experience with production control systems: Work Orders, kitting of materials, managing reports, etc. + Experience managing personnel (daily tasking, time tracking, evaluations, etc), scheduling. + A&P Certification a plus + Lean Manufacturing Experience a plus + IPC 610/620 Certifications a plus + Associate Degree in a related field or higher, a plus. **Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable** + $46.00-$74.00 Hourly + Eligible for up to 10% annual bonus + This position is located in Mojave, CA \#LI-Onsite **Benefits (https://careers.stratolaunch.com/benefits/) and our location(s)** **:** + Relocation eligible to local area – Our Locations (https://careers.stratolaunch.com/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 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 Person to be considered for this role** **:** _To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum_ . 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** **Job Category:** Manufacturing **Req ID:** 133