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.
Role Summary
The Build Reliability Engineer (Rocket Engines) ensures the integrity, reliability, and manufacturability of Ursa Major rocket engines throughout their lifecycle — from concept through hot-fire testing and production release.
You will serve as a responsible partner to design, manufacturing, and test, developing and executing reliability and quality strategies that make our engines robust, repeatable, and production-ready. This is a hands-on technical role, deeply embedded in our production and test operations.
You’ll drive process improvements, validate inspection and test methods, investigate failures, and lead data-driven problem-solving efforts that directly affect engine performance. While this position operates within an AS9100-compliant environment, it is not a compliance or auditing role — it’s about building engines that work the first time, every time.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with design, manufacturing, and test teams through development and production to create and execute quality and reliability plans for rocket engines and major subsystems — including identification of key characteristics, prototype validation, inspection planning, and lessons learned integration.
- Develop, implement, and validate Lean test and inspection processes for new and existing hardware to ensure criteria are objective, data-driven, and production-efficient.
- Monitor engine and process performance through production ramp-up using statistical and analytical tools to identify trends and drive proactive improvements.
- Conduct build quality reviews to verify design intent and highlight opportunities to reduce risk, improve manufacturability, and eliminate recurring issues.
- Investigate and resolve failures during manufacturing, test, and operation — identifying root causes, leading corrective actions, and improving process robustness.
- Contain and control nonconforming product, coordinating with inspectors, technicians, and engineers to ensure timely disposition, rework, and re-verification.
- Advance Lean and autonomous production systems by standardizing rework guides, reducing redundant inspections, and optimizing critical process controls.
- Mentor junior Quality Engineers, fostering technical rigor, ownership, and sound engineering judgment.
- Support AS9100 requirements and customer standards, maintaining disciplined documentation and contributing to ongoing system-level improvements.
- Drive a reliability-first culture — integrating quality and design thinking across engineering, manufacturing, and test.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, reliability, responsible, product, or quality engineering within aerospace or high-reliability production environments.
- Strong background in process control, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action methodologies.
- Hands-on experience with inspection planning, design verification, and failure analysis for complex electromechanical or fluid systems.
- Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality systems.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with liquid rocket engines, turbomachinery, valves, or pressure-fed propulsion systems.
- Familiarity with FAI, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and control plan development.
- Experience supporting: Additive, Precision-machined, or welded hardware as well as engine assembly and hot-fire test operations.
- Exposure to digital quality tools such as HighQA, Windchill, Odoo, Foundry, or Ignition.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and influence technical peers, shaping a culture of excellence and accountability.
Work Environment
- On-site position at our manufacturing facility with remote flexibility 1-day per week. Relocation assistance offered as needed.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $110,000 - $145,000, 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: (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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Equity Grants in the Company
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.
US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.
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.
