Principal Product Innovation Lead

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, t…