Principal Product Innovation Lead

Posted 7/31/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

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 Principal Product Innovation Lead serves as the technical and strategic bridge between Business Development, Government Relations, Advanced Programs, and Engineering to identify, shape, and mature new business opportunities into executable programs. Working closely with the Vice President of Advanced Programs and Engineering leadership, this role is responsible for aligning emerging business opportunities with Stratolaunch's internal technology investments and developing a pipeline to successfully transition IR&D efforts into customer-funded programs. The position partners across technical and business organizations to ensure new concepts are aligned with strategic priorities, positioned to meet customer needs, and prepared for successful program execution.   The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical engineering background combined with experience in product strategy, customer engagement, and business growth within the national security and aerospace sectors. This individual will help transform emerging technologies into operational capabilities while supporting Stratolaunch's long-term growth strategy.     ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Partner with Business Development, Government Relations, Advanced Programs, and Engineering leadership to identify and mature new business opportunities. Work closely with the Vice President of Advanced Programs and Engineering leadership to identify customer funding paths that transition IR&D investments into active programs. Align emerging customer opportunities with Stratolaunch's technology roadmap and internal development efforts. Develop technical concepts, solution architectures, and product roadmaps that position new capabilities for customer adoption. Lead the transition of internally developed technologies into customer-funded programs through capture planning, technical engagement, and cross-functional coordination. Support capture activities including white papers, technical volumes, customer briefings, and proposal development. Coordinate with Program Management to ensure a seamless transition from capture and award into program execution. Travel as required to support customer meetings, technical reviews, program planning, and industry events.   QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical initiatives across multiple organizations. Strong understanding of aerospace system development and product lifecycle management. Experience supporting government capture efforts, proposal development, or strategic business growth. Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, government customers, and technical teams. Experience developing technical roadmaps, schedules, and integrated development plans. Knowledge of systems engineering principles and multidisciplinary aerospace development. Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and defense contracting. Understanding of hypersonic systems, flight testing, or advanced aerospace technologies is highly desirable. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to influence without direct authority while working across functional organizations. Must be willing and able to obtain a security clearance   EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or another related STEM discipline required. Master's degree preferred. 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace, defense, advanced technology development, or related industries. Experience supporting advanced research, technology transition, or new product development. Experience collaborating with government organizations such as DoD, DARPA, AFRL, NASA, or equivalent customers is highly desirable. Experience with hypersonic systems, flight test programs, or advanced aerospace development preferred.   Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable $209,000-$225,000 Eligible for up to 15% annual bonus This position is hybrid and may be based in Huntsville, AL or another approved Stratolaunch location. Frequent travel is required to Washington, D.C., Mojave, CA, Huntsville, AL, customer locations, and other domestic or international destinations. 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. 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   : https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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