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.
Our SRM Build Operations team is made of team focused and hard-working professionals who put energy, effort, and excellence into every task. Their quality of work is the best in the world and all tasks are treated with precision and criticality. Success in this role requires a willingness and desire to learn, hands-on mechanical experience, and an “attention to detail” mindset.
As the SRM Build Ops Manager, you will lead a team of propulsion technicians responsible for manufacturing SRM products from early concept development through full rate production. This role requires an experienced, quick-learning aerospace professional capable of supporting SRM component manufacturing, solid propellant manufacturing, and final assembly. You must excel working on aerospace hardware such as cases, nozzles, and igniters as well as chemistry equipment such as lab scales, syringes, mixers, and test equipment. You will operate and lead in a dynamic environment that accomplishes team goals. You should expect a large amount of collaboration with several Engineering and Manufacturing disciplines supporting both production and development programs.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and motivate a team of SRM Propulsion Technicians to technical excellence in both the development and production of propulsion hardware and solid propellant.
- Establish a culture of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), in that order.
- Create and maintain the 5S Standard Work to ensure work center cleanliness and organization. Conduct regular self-inspections and assessments to ensure that the manufacturing floor is ALWAYS ready for an outside inspection, regulatory audit, or high-profile tour.
- Create and regularly update the Technician Training Matrix. Ensure that each Technician has a growth plan that aligns to business needs for cross-training and personal strengths.
- Recruit, interview, hire, onboard and train new SRM Build Technician talent.
- Set expectations and review performance in regular 1:1 meetings and formal performance evaluations.
- Lead the Daily Stand Up for the SRM Product Team. Establish relevant content, SQDC metrics, and schedules to align the team on planned work for each day.
- Create and maintain an Action Item list, specifying WHO does WHAT by WHEN to ensure Build Operations executes each assigned task and completes each goal. Publish visually and review with the Product Team each day to drive radical accountability.
- Collaborate with Material Planning to balance Product Team needs with available capacity then establish daily & weekly build schedules to execute.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize and continually improve assembly processes, work instructions, tooling, fixturing and material handling.
- Support engineering and other teams with development projects as required.
- Participate in annual goal planning then create Objectives and Key Results for the SRM Build Operations department.
Required Qualifications:
- 8+ years experience in aviation or aerospace maintenance, service, or manufacturing.
- Strong technical leadership skills; act as subject matter expert in assembly methods, processes, and techniques.
- Strong organizational skills
- Advanced Drive for Results
Desired Experience:
- Implementing, sustaining, and auditing 5S programs
- Lean Manufacturing training & experience
- Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and flow measurement devices
- Experience with high precision hardware assembly and manufacturing
- Exceptional commination skills; written and oral
- J-STD certifications
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $124,000 - $155,000, 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.
Benefits Include:
- 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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Equity Grants in the Company
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, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS 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.
What the Team is Saying
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What We Do
At Ursa Major, we are powering the future of aerospace. We see aerospace advancement as a technological imperative and we’re accelerating the industry as the leading source of world-class propulsion systems.
We meticulously design, craft, and test engines that are optimized to offer high performance, diverse capability, and unwavering reliability.
Why Work With Us
As much as we value talent, we know that it’s meaningless without the drive, humility, and hunger to work on a team. A team shares a common goal and obsesses about achieving it together. This requires leaving egos at the door and committing to do whatever’s required (within reason) to achieve mission success.
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Ursa Major Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
