The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.
The Program Manager II is a leader who provides direction and ensures programmatic success across multiple Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) applications through driving customer inputs, schedules, hardware, resources, and overall program progress. We are looking for an individual who thrives when creating order out of chaos, can excel as a technical subject matter expert, and can support dynamic decision making for our SRM programs. The Program Manager II ensures execution through the product lifecycle, can act as a technical liaison, and can bring together complex technical and operational inputs to meet program milestones. You’ll navigate technical challenges that will have a direct impact on the success of both Ursa and of our customers.
Responsibilities
- Supports the Lead Program Manager in the execution of the entire program lifecycle
- Project manages external and internal SRM program execution, from initial program plan definition through ultimate mission success and sunset.
- Provides shaping and drives programmatic, technical, and operational objectives, while ensuring contract compliance and on-time delivery through resource aligning
- Serve as a customer point of contact (POC), manage contract scope, prepare material for and host regular customer check-in meetings, and lead the preparation of contract deliverables
- Responsible for tracking and maintaining the program budget, schedule, risk, and Key Results (KRs) and their performance; regular monitoring and reporting on program health, including supporting the creation of Program Review material preparation and presentation.
- Supports risk and opportunity management through all stages: identify, track, mitigate, manage, and disposition.
- Participates as a stakeholder and support in the lifecycle of defense proposal development, including strategy, planning, writing, and submission, to secure new business opportunities and contracts with programmatic realism.
- Collaborates with team members to write, review, and deliver technical deliverables.
- Estimates resource and material needs for the project/product.
- Works in a collaborative team environment on quick reaction projects and have regular contact with customers.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business.
- 3+ years of experience as a technical program manager, project or team lead.
- Demonstrated leadership in aerospace or another highly technical program.
- Prior experience as a project engineer, program manager, or team lead in a production or manufacturing role managing schedules and delegating tasks.
- Passion for creatively developing a program plan despite resource constraints and the flexibility to adapt as inputs rapidly change.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to pull data into a coherent presentation, paper, or briefing for customers and stakeholders.
- Excellent understanding and experience with Microsoft Suite or practical experience implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) tools on projects.
- Technical expertise in manufacturing, design, test, analysis, or integration.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
- This position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance.
Desired Experience
- Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA.
- Strong understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements.
- Demonstrated success in complex program definition and management.
- DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $112,000 - $140,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
- Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
- Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
- Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
- Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
- EAP Program
- Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
- Equity Grants in the Company
How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business
- 3+ years of experience as a technical program manager, project or team lead
- Demonstrated leadership in aerospace or another highly technical program
- Prior experience as a project engineer, program manager, or team lead in a production or manufacturing role managing schedules and delegating tasks
- Ability to develop program plans despite resource constraints and adapt to rapidly changing inputs
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including creating presentations and briefings
- Experience with Microsoft Suite or practical experience implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) tools
- Technical expertise in manufacturing, design, test, analysis, or integration
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
- Be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Master's Degree in Engineering or MBA
- Strong understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements
- Demonstrated success in complex program definition and management
- DoD Secret security clearance or higher
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — The package includes unlimited PTO spanning vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement time, plus two company‑wide weeklong breaks around July 4 and year‑end. These elements indicate structured downtime beyond standard holiday calendars.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision alongside HSA/FSA, employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability, basic life, AD&D, and an EAP. The combination emphasizes both core medical care and income protection.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match is advertised together with equity grants/stock options. This pairing supports long‑term savings while offering ownership participation.
Ursa Major Insights
What We Do
Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems. 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.
Why Work With Us
We believe that each unique team member fuels the creativity necessary to build the world’s best propulsion systems. This is realized as a deeply held commitment to celebrating individuality, hiring talent across all backgrounds and experiences, building a culture of inclusion, and constantly challenging ourselves to improve.
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Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
