Quality Director
Ursa Major was founded to bring a new model to space access: one in which every link in an enormous value chain isn’t limited by those around it. We design rocket engines and propulsion solutions.
Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.
As a Quality Director, you will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, improving, documenting, leading, and managing Ursa Major’s quality control practices across multiple locations, both tactical as well as strategic. This role works extremely closely with supply chain, manufacturing engineering, technicians, program management, production control, and the engineering team to execute, manage, develop and continually refine quality processes that best meet the needs of our ongoing engine programs while training and mentoring the company on the latest industry best practices and standards.
The Quality Director leads several functions within the Quality Department: the quality inspection team, the manufacturing quality team, the supplier quality team, and the AS9100 /Quality Systems team, including internal audit. Candidates should have a broad base of experience in QA & QC, having worked in a wide variety of quality roles throughout their careers. The Quality Manager is expected to scale our quality practices, capabilities, and organization, eventually attaining, and maintaining AS9100 QMS registration. Experience with the ISO 9000 family of quality management principles is critically important.
This role reports directly to the VP of Operations.
Responsibilities:
- Build a world-class team by developing trust and relationships, setting clear expectations, and recruiting top talent.
- Conduct regular team meetings to manage expectations, review output, and set the team vision.
- Lead company-wide Quality function across multiple locations.
- Create and manage an industry-leading quality assurance program that is lean, scalable, and simple to maintain.
- Develop, implement, and audit all hardware quality practices utilizing emerging processes and technology.
- Drive continuous improvement of Ursa’s processes and organization, including attainment of AS9100 certification.
- Create efficient and agile quality processes for development hardware and effective quality practices for production hardware.
- Build a quality-conscious culture by presenting, coaching, and teaching the rest of the organization.
- Own, report, and improve key performance metrics – including DR’s, risks & CLCA’s - related to Ursa’s quality systems.
- Deliver communication as needed with Ursa’s customers to describe and explain our quality practices.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to direct reports to ensure all team members have the resources necessary to perform their responsibilities accurately and effectively while ensuring growth and development opportunities. This includes weekly 1:1s and check-ins.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial/Manufacturing, or Aerospace preferred.)
- 10-12 years of progressive experience with industrial quality including advanced inspection-related work.
- 8+ years experience in quality leadership roles
- 5+ years experience sustaining AS9100/ISO9001 quality certification. (Leadership attaining initial AS9100 certification a plus.)
- Certified ASQ Manager of Quality/Operational Excellence/ or Quality Engineer.
Desired Experience:
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment.
- Experience with inspection and NDE of additively manufactured hardware is a plus.
- Experience with and understanding of advanced manufacturing and engineering practices.
Benefits Include:
- Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
- Paid maternity/paternity/adoptive leave
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA); Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D, and EAP Program; Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life, Emergency Medical Transport, and Pet Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Company stock options
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $135,000 - $185,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
US CITIZENSHIP OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.
