Program Director - Talon A (Aerospace)

Location: Mojave, California, United States; expected to be onsite at least 80% of normal work days, with a 9/80 schedule and approximately 10% travel.

Base salary: $214,000–$250,000 annually.

Company

hirify.global engineers operationally realistic Mach 5+ testing and develops reusable, cost-effective Talon hypersonic testbeds that provide flight data for technology validation and national security applications.

What you will do

• Lead strategic initiatives and represent the Program Director in executive forums, customer engagements, and internal leadership meetings.
• Oversee multiple concurrent programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, forecasting, budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Lead the design and modification, manufacturing, and flight test execution of reusable hypersonic test vehicles.
• Develop program strategies, business plans, new business proposals, capture strategies, customer engagement plans, and growth opportunities.
• Manage relationships with customers, government agencies, strategic partners, subcontractors, and suppliers, including complex contract negotiations.
• Lead risk management, compliance, governance, classified program execution, cross-functional collaboration, talent development, succession planning, and executive reporting.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of senior- or principal-level leadership experience in technical and/or program management within aerospace, defense, or high-technology sectors.
• Experience managing large, complex, multidisciplinary programs with annual budgets exceeding $100M.
• Extensive aerospace program management experience, including subcontracts and procurement, personnel management, aircraft systems, aircraft operations, launch vehicle integration, and ground systems.
• Experience overseeing subcontractors and prototype or low-rate production, with advanced risk management expertise and experience with classified programs.
• Strong urgency, decision-making, analytical, strategic thinking, problem-solving, facilitation, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and drive organizational change.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project, and other advanced project management tools.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Business Management/Administration, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, plus 15+ years of relevant program management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice to have

• Experience working directly with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major defense contractors.
• Air-launch, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft integration program experience.
• Large transport-category or military aircraft operations experience.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent advanced project/program management certification.
• Experience with classified program execution and secure environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Healthcare coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into a 401(k), up to $11,500.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Work may include off-nominal hours and weekends to support flight testing.
• Inclusive equal-opportunity workplace focused on innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional development.