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Full-Time

VP – Solid Rocket Motor Product Line

Posted on 10/22/2024

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

201-500 employees

Develops propulsion systems for aerospace

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$200k - $260kAnnually

Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

Loveland, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Propulsion
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or a related field, with a focus on solid rocket motors or propulsion systems.
  • Proven track record of scaling product lines and leading cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious growth targets.
  • Strong technical aptitude in solid rocket motors, with the ability to engage with engineering and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated success in winning program of record contracts with government agencies and commercial customers.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence and inspire a diverse team.
  • Experience managing budgets and overseeing P&L for a product line.
Responsibilities
  • Provide visionary leadership for the SRM product line, developing and executing strategies that drive significant growth and scaling year over year.
  • Oversee development of SRM production and operations, ensuring compliance, efficiency, quality, and safety in all processes. Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction while maintaining the highest standards of product reliability.
  • Provide direction to the SRM Engineering Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, program managers, and operations staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Develop talent and succession plans to support the scaling of the product line.
  • Leverage technical expertise in solid rocket motors to guide product development, production improvements, and troubleshooting. Ensure that the product line remains competitive and meets or exceeds customer expectations.
  • Work closely with the business development team to secure new contracts with government and commercial customers. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers in the aerospace and defense industry.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding the SRM product line, ensuring that customer needs are met, and fostering long-term partnerships.
  • Oversee the SRM product line’s budget and financial performance, ensuring profitability and responsible management of resources.

Ursa Major develops propulsion systems specifically for the aerospace industry, focusing on engines for space launch vehicles and hypersonic applications. Their engines are designed to be reliable and cost-effective, addressing common propulsion issues that have led to launch failures in the past. Ursa Major's products work by providing launch-ready propulsion solutions that help clients, including private space companies and government agencies, overcome the challenges of developing high-performance engines. What sets Ursa Major apart from its competitors is its commitment to democratizing access to space, making advanced propulsion technology more accessible and affordable. The company's goal is to enhance space exploration and hypersonic travel by delivering engines that balance performance, reliability, and cost, ensuring that clients can achieve successful launches with less financial and technical burden.

Company Stage

Series D

Total Funding

$361.5M

Headquarters

Berthoud, Colorado

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

10%

1 year growth

10%

2 year growth

4%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ursa Major's innovative propulsion solutions have the potential to significantly reduce the cost and increase the reliability of space launches, making space more accessible.
  • The company's successful testing and deployment of engines like the Draper hypersonic rocket engine demonstrate its technological prowess and market readiness.
  • The appointment of Bill Nash as CFO, with his extensive experience in financial strategy, positions Ursa Major for robust financial growth and operational efficiency.

What critics are saying

  • The highly competitive aerospace market requires continuous innovation and substantial investment, posing financial risks if technological advancements do not keep pace.
  • Dependence on government contracts, such as those with the U.S. Navy, could lead to revenue volatility if there are changes in defense spending or contract renewals.

What makes Ursa Major unique

  • Ursa Major's focus on propulsion systems for both space launch vehicles and hypersonic applications sets it apart in the aerospace industry, where many competitors specialize in only one area.
  • The company's use of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, allows for faster and more cost-effective production of high-performance engines, a significant advantage over traditional manufacturing methods.
  • Ursa Major's strategic contracts with the U.S. Navy for developing next-generation solid rocket motors highlight its credibility and capability in delivering critical defense technologies.

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