Program Manager - Manufacturing, Targets (Aerospace Defense)

Location: Mojave, California, United States; onsite manufacturing program leadership with domestic travel as required

Company

hirify.global develops reusable, air-launched Talon testbeds to support operationally realistic hypersonic testing and national security technology development.

What you will do

• Lead the transition of complex aerospace and defense products from prototype development into structured, repeatable production.
• Develop integrated manufacturing roadmaps covering capacity, readiness, technical maturity, milestones, and contract obligations.
• Oversee build planning, rate readiness, factory sequencing, and production targets of approximately 50 units per year.
• Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Test teams to maintain stable production flow.
• Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, forecasting, budgets, production cost models, and government reporting.
• Lead customer-facing manufacturing reviews, audits, contract negotiations, risk mitigation, and production improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing program management, production leadership, or aerospace and defense development.
• Direct experience transitioning complex hardware from prototype into structured production, ideally at approximately 50 units per year or a similar rate.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Management, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience with missile systems, weapon systems, hypersonic systems, flight vehicles, or other high-reliability aerospace hardware.
• Experience managing manufacturing scope under U.S. government contracts, including DoD, DARPA, AFRL, or prime contractor programs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship may be required for some government-cleared or restricted positions.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of EVMS, IPMR/CPR reporting, CDRL compliance, or government production oversight.
• Experience scaling production lines, qualifying suppliers, or establishing new manufacturing processes.
• PMP, PgMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or equivalent certification.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug healthcare coverage.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Company 401(k) match of 50% per contributed dollar, up to $11,500.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Work supporting hypersonic testing, national security programs, and sensitive manufacturing activities.