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.
Ursa Major is developing cutting-edge propulsion systems and is seeking an innovative and hands-on Senior Development Energetics Manufacturing Engineer. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between design and production by creating, implementing, and optimizing the manufacturing processes for solid rocket motors (SRMs). The engineer in this role will be the designated Process Owner for a critical section of the SRM build process. They will be responsible for the entire development lifecycle of their assigned processes, from initial concept and sourcing to machine design, fabrication, and final deployment on the production floor. This individual will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for their processes, actively participating in motor builds to ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and capable.
We are looking for an engineer with a strong background in capital equipment, automation, and process design, ideally with experience in energetics processing.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Ownership & Development:
- Take complete ownership of a designated manufacturing process (e.g., propellant mixing, propellant curing, final assembly of SRM).
- Design, develop, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment to meet design specifications, safety standards, and production rate requirements.
- Create detailed equipment specifications, statements of work (SOW), and test plans for new machinery.
- Sourcing & Machine Design:
- Lead the sourcing and procurement of complex capital equipment. This includes identifying and evaluating external machine builders and automation suppliers.
- Lead internal design efforts and manage external vendors for custom manufacturing machines, tooling, and fixtures.
- Manage projects from procurement through installation, conducting site acceptance (SAT) and factory acceptance (FAT) testing.
- Hands-on Implementation & SME Support:
- Act as the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for your assigned processes.
- Work hands-on with technicians and other engineers on the production floor to build development and flight hardware, providing real-time support and process refinement.
- Develop and qualify processes, establishing critical process parameters and controls.
- Author and maintain comprehensive documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and maintenance requirements.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Lead analysis of build data, non-conformances, and operator feedback to identify root causes and implement robust corrective actions.
- Drive continuous improvement (Lean, 6-Sigma) initiatives to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost for your process area.
- Collaborate closely with Design Engineering (DFM/A) to ensure new motor designs are optimized for manufacturability.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, developing and deploying new production processes and equipment.
- Proven experience leading capital equipment projects, including specification development, sourcing, and installation/commissioning.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a hands-on SME, working directly on the production floor.
- Willingness to work hands-on in a production environment with strict safety controls.
- Skills:
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA) for tooling and fixture design.
- Excellent project management skills.
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and blueprint interpretation.
- Ability to rapidly learn and become the subject matter expert in a new process area.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of the work and government contracts.
- Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
Desired Qualifications
- Industry Experience: Previous experience in the aerospace, defense, or energetics industry, specifically with solid rocket motor manufacturing (insulation, propellant, case winding, etc.).
- Familiarity with relevant codes and regulations (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, ATF, DoD or aerospace standards).
- Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and process capability analysis.
- Background in process scale-up, equipment commissioning, or technology transfer from R&D to production.
- Experience with ERP/MES systems and digital work instructions/batch records.
- Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience/certification.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $88,000 - $130,000, 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 of Science in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 6 years experience in manufacturing engineering developing and deploying production processes and equipment
- Proven experience leading capital equipment projects including specifications, sourcing, installation, and commissioning
- Hands-on subject matter expert working directly on the production floor
- Willingness to work hands-on in a production environment with strict safety controls
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA) for tooling and fixture design
- Strong project management skills
- Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation
- Ability to rapidly learn and become SME in a new process area
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (U.S. Person requirement stated)
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited PTO combined with company‑wide holiday closures (around July 4 and year‑end) creates meaningful, predictable downtime. These practices stand out for hardware‑centric teams that typically face on‑site demands.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is highlighted alongside mental health support and tax‑advantaged accounts. Employer‑paid disability and life/AD&D further strengthen the core health and protection package.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave, family medical leave, and onsite facilities signal a family‑supportive approach. Company‑sponsored family events and resources enhance the overall support environment.
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.
