Senior Director of Solid Rocket Motor Operations

Ursa is seeking a strong production leader who can lead and build a team to scale high volume production of solid rocket motors. Our country’s national security relies on a healthy stock of varying munitions, and the current industrial base of providers cannot keep up with the increasing and varying demand. Ursa has developed a novel manufacturing method that can surge production levels across various motor sizes. This adaptability allows the customer to change their demand profile, and our process can respond instantly. We are seeking a leader who can transform this manufacturing method into high volume (25,000+ units per year). This role will have a measurable impact on the total growth and value of the business in addition to helping solve a critical national security risk.

Success will be defined by the safe scaling of our SRM products and how well we can exceed customer expectations on quality and cost. This leader must have a start-up mentality with the rigor of real production.

Key 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $185,000 - $230,000, 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.