Director, Corporate Investment

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 Head of Corporate Investment will be responsible for driving inorganic growth through a focused, holistic mergers and acquisition strategy.  This role will be responsible for developing and executing plans to acquire new revenue streams and advanced technologies for Stratolaunch.  They will also partner with Stratolaunch’s senior leadership team to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships.  This individual will forge key relationships with other hypersonic companies and advisors/banks in the industry.  The individual will also have responsibility for assisting senior management in collecting and maintaining a proprietary data set covering the hypersonic industry to support investment decisions and long-term planning.

Responsibilities and Duties

Essential Functions:

• Source and conduct in depth due diligence on M&A opportunities in the rapidly growing hypersonic defense market.
• Conduct high-level business analysis with potential acquisition targets and business partners.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to define and deliver the strategic vision for Stratolaunch, aligning it with the company's growth projections.
• Assist in the cultivation and maintaining of a proprietary data set covering the hypersonic defense industry.
• Develop KPIs to measure the team’s performance, establish scalable systems and processes for a high-growth company, and identify opportunities to integrate advanced technologies or services to remain competitive in the marketplace.

Qualifications and KSAs

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, finance, economics, or a related field is required.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive leadership experience in corporate strategy, business development, or M&A roles.
• Demonstrated success in strategic growth and deal execution within the aerospace or engineering fields, ideally with a focus on water infrastructure.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional growth teams in a high-growth environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• M&A Expertise: Skilled in identifying, evaluating, contacting, and negotiating acquisitions that align with strategic objectives.
• Strategic Acumen: Ability to help develop corporate growth strategies.
• Market Insight: The knowledge of or the ability to learn the hypersonic market space with the ability to leverage data for competitive advantage.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficient in leveraging data and market analysis for strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Executive Presence: Confident, poised, and credible representative of the company in high-stakes business and client engagements.
• Project Management: Ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously with a focus on execution and measurable outcomes.
• Integrity & Ethics: High level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical decision-making with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Travel Requirements: Periodic travel may be required, including domestic and international trips for meetings, conferences, to establish and strengthen client relationships, or company site visits. Ability to maintain productivity and effectiveness during travel.

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position can be remote
• Eligible for up to 20% annual bonus 
• $157,000-$245,000

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