Full-Time

VP – Solid Rocket Motor Operations

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

201-500 employees

Develops propulsion systems for aerospace

Aerospace

Compensation Overview

$185k - $230kAnnually

Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

Loveland, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Propulsion
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • 15+ years of experience in scaled production, preferably in aerospace, defense, energetics, or related industries.
  • Proven track record in leading large-scale, high-volume manufacturing operations, with a focus on safety, quality, and cost-efficiency.
  • Experience in manufacturing of energetics or other safety-critical products is highly desirable.
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate cross-functional teams in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and process optimization skills, with a track record of implementing innovative production methods.
  • Ability to navigate complex supply chains and develop strong supplier partnerships.
  • Experience working with government and defense customers, with a deep understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements.
  • Start-up mentality combined with the rigor and discipline needed for high-volume, real-world production.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and build the production team to scale SRM manufacturing from conceptual design through high-rate production, focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency.
  • Oversee all aspects of SRM operations, including procurement, build processes, energetics casting, logistics, and shipment.
  • Implement and refine our novel manufacturing method to meet varying customer demand profiles while ensuring responsiveness and flexibility in production.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that ensure industry-leading safety and quality standards in SRM production.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate production requirements from the early design phase through to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Manage the facilities and logistics to support high-volume production, ensuring seamless operation of manufacturing and supply chain processes.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and government stakeholders to align production capabilities with market needs.
  • Foster a culture of operational excellence and innovation within the production teams.
  • Define key performance metrics to track production performance, cost control, and quality assurance, ensuring goals are met or exceeded.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team on SRM production and broader operational opportunities.

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 effort in engine development.

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$267M

Headquarters

Berthoud, Colorado

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

9%

1 year growth

14%

2 year growth

3%
Simplify Jobs

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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