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.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Senior Quality Engineer – Liquids Propulsion to take ownership of quality for our Hadley and Draper production lines. This role encompasses both engine-level and subsystem-level quality, and requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, hands-on production support, and process rigor. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical leadership, collaborate across teams, and serve as a mentor to a more junior QE. You will report directly to the Quality Manager and play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance and compliance of some of the most advanced propulsion systems in production.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the quality owner for Hadley and Draper propulsion lines, driving product integrity from subsystem through full engine integration.
- Develop and maintain inspection plans, in-process controls, and quality documentation tailored to complex liquid propulsion hardware.
- Lead and support root cause investigations, managing cross-functional corrective and preventive actions.
- Mentor and guide other Quality Engineers, fostering their technical growth and ownership.
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and test to ensure requirements are understood, implemented, and validated throughout the production lifecycle.
- Contribute to a rigorous nonconformance management process, from identification to closure.
- Drive continuous improvement in quality processes, using data analytics, trend monitoring, and risk-based thinking.
- Support AS9100 compliance through audit participation and internal system improvements.
- Translating customer requirements to internal product and manufacturing requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality engineering.
- Proven track record of ownership in product or subsystem-level quality within aerospace or similar high-reliability environments.
- Expertise in AS9100, root cause analysis, and statistical quality methods.
- Hands-on experience with inspection planning, quality assurance planning, PLM tools, and ERP tools.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with liquid propulsion systems or equivalent high-performance fluid systems.
- Knowledge of FAI, APQP, and PPAP methodologies.
- Familiarity with digital quality tools and automated inspection systems.
- Proficiency with HighQA, Windchill, Inductive Automation’s Ignition, and Odoo.
Work Environment
- On-site position at our manufacturing facility.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $104,000 - $140,000, 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. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
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
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
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.
Why Work With Us
We believe that each unique team member fuels the creativity necessary to build the world’s best propulsion systems. This is realized as a deeply held commitment to celebrating individuality, hiring talent across all backgrounds and experiences, building a culture of inclusion, and constantly challenging ourselves to improve.
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