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 Vice President of Sales and Business Development is responsible for directing all commercial and government sales activities to achieve Ursa Major’s growth objectives. This executive will lead the development and execution of strategies that expand the company’s presence across commercial defense enterprises, aerospace manufacturers, prime contractors, and U.S. Federal Government agencies. This role includes responsibility for pipeline generation, capture activities, contract negotiation, customer relationship management, and the leadership of the Sales and Business Development organization.
This position requires a senior leader with deep experience in aerospace and defense markets, including demonstrated success in securing commercial contracts with defense companies as well as winning complex federal procurements and programs of record.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute long-range sales, capture and business development strategies aligned with company objectives and growth targets.
- Identify and assess new business opportunities within commercial defense markets, major aerospace manufacturers, and emerging commercial segments to identify new revenue opportunities and competitive positioning.
- Lead capture strategies for U.S. Government programs of record, advanced development programs, and national security initiatives.
- Provide strategic market insights to executive leadership to inform product roadmaps, investment priorities, and competitive positioning.
Commercial and Government Sales Execution
- Direct all aspects of the sales and capture lifecycle, including opportunity identification, pipeline development, forecasting, capture planning, contract negotiation and account growth.
- Build and maintain executive-level relationships with defense companies, prime contractors, integrators, and relevant federal agencies (e.g., DoW, Military Services, NASA).
- Ensure disciplined execution of proposals, capture processes, and customer engagement activities including activities such as tradeshows.
- Establish and track revenue, pipeline, and customer engagement metrics; ensure disciplined execution of proposals, capture processes, and forecasting activities.
- Expand business within existing accounts while developing new channels, partnerships and customer segments to accelerate growth.
Team Leadership
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing Sales and Business Development team capable of achieving revenue and strategic growth objectives. Implement standardized processes, performance metrics, and reporting systems to ensure operational rigor and accountability.
- Mentor and develop team members while fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and alignment with Ursa Major’s organizational values.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering, Programs, Operations, Product, Strategy, and Finance to develop integrated growth strategies and ensure alignment with customer requirements and pricing.
- Facilitate early engagement with customers and engineering teams to influence requirements and shape future propulsion programs.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure successful contract execution and delivery.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 12 years of experience in sales, business development, program capture, or related roles within the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology industries.
- Proven success in securing commercial sales with defense companies, primes, integrators, and aerospace manufacturers.
- Demonstrated experience winning federal contracts, including programs of record and major advanced development programs.
- Comprehensive understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS requirements, and defense procurement lifecycles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in dynamic or high-growth environments.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to work on-site full time in Berthoud, Colorado with extensive travel required both domestically and occasionally internationally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Established network within DoW, NASA, and major defense primes.
- Experience in propulsion, launch systems, hypersonics, or related advanced aerospace technologies.
- Prior experience in a startup or rapid-growth technology organization.
- Advanced degree in engineering, business, or related discipline.
Key Competencies
- Strategic planning and execution
- Contract capture and negotiation
- Leadership and organizational development
- Technical and business acumen
- Professional communication and customer engagement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Integrity, accountability, and results orientation
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $280,000 - $330,000, 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
- Minimum 12 years of experience in sales, business development, program capture, or related roles within the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology industries.
- Proven success in securing commercial sales with defense companies, prime contractors, integrators, and aerospace manufacturers.
- Demonstrated experience winning federal contracts, including programs of record and major advanced development programs.
- Comprehensive understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS requirements, and defense procurement lifecycles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in dynamic or high-growth environments.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to work on-site full time in Berthoud, Colorado with extensive domestic and occasional international travel.
- Must be a U.S. Person (US Citizen or Permanent Resident).
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
- Established network within DoD, NASA, and major defense primes.
- Experience in propulsion, launch systems, hypersonics, or related advanced aerospace technologies.
- Prior experience in a startup or rapid-growth technology organization.
- Advanced degree in engineering, business, or related discipline.
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.
