Senior Manufacturing Engineer - AP Milling

The posting, as Ursa Major wrote it

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 a Senior Manufacturing Engineer. The Engineer in this role will assume technical and operational ownership of manufacturing processes for solid rocket motors, with a primary focus on Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) milling and related powder-handling operations. This role will lead the design, development, qualification, and continuous improvement of AP milling processes that feed directly into propellant manufacturing.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience with energetic materials or strong experience with fine powder processing in a safety‑critical or regulated environment and is eager to apply that expertise to solid rocket propulsion. This is a hands-on position with significant responsibility for day‑to‑day plant operations, process capability, and long‑term process development.

Key Responsibilities

Process Ownership & Development

• Serve as the Process Owner for AP milling and associated powder-handling operations
• Lead hands-on troubleshooting alongside technicians and engineers on the production floor to resolve complex manufacturing issues, stabilize, and improve processes.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce process documentation, including:
• Manufacturing Process Specifications (MPS)
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Work Instructions
• Define and maintain Critical Process Parameters for AP milling (e.g., particle size distribution, moisture content, bulk density, contamination levels, flowability).
• Own process change control:
• Initiate, justify, and implement process changes via formal ECN mechanisms.
• Perform risk assessments (FMEA, HAZOP) for proposed changes.
• Plan and manage validation and requalification activities following changes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma to support:
• New propellant formulations and motor programs
• Scale‑up from development to production volumes
• Reductions in cycle time, scrap, and variability
• Specify and optimize milling equipment and conditions:
• Mill type selection (e.g., jet mills, ball mills, pin mills, hammer mills)
• Operating parameters (feed rates, rotor speeds, classifier settings, media selection, temperature control)
• Design, develop, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment to meet design specifications, safety standards, and production rate requirements for AP milling.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to manufacturing engineers and technicians, promoting best practices in process control, problem solving, and operational excellence.

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nts, suppression systems, explosion isolation devices).

• Familiarity with:
• Relevant NFPA standards for combustible dusts and oxidizers.
• AS9100, ISO 9001, or other quality management systems in a highly regulated industry.
• Lean / Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or above preferred).

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

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.

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.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

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.