Ursa Major
Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Solid Missile Systems
Berthoud, Colorado · Senior · Full-time
Work authorization required$88k-$130kDetected 5 days ago
CybersecurityComplianceProject ManagementProcess ImprovementSolidWorksCATIASiemens NXMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringResearchCommunicationProblem SolvingMentoringOSHA
About the role
- The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
- 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 is a hands-on position with significant responsibility for day‑to‑day plant operations, process capability, and long‑term process development.
Responsibilities
- Lead hands-on troubleshooting alongside technicians and engineers on the production floor to resolve complex manufacturing issues, stabilize, and improve processes.
- 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:
- Specify and optimize milling equipment and conditions:
- Design, develop, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment to meet design specifications, safety standards, and production rate requirements for AP milling.
- Lead in establishing and maintaining process safety for energetic and oxidizer handling, with a focus on fine powder hazards.
Nice to have
- 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).
Skills
- Strong understanding of:
- Particle technology: particle size distribution, morphology, flow behavior, segregation, packing, bulk density.
- Milling and classification operations: mill selection, operating principles, scale‑up considerations.
- Process safety for combustible dusts, oxidizers, and/or energetic materials: dust explosion hazards, static control, inerting, ventilation.
- Proficiency with:
- Root cause analysis methodologies (5‑Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).
- Basic statistical tools for process analysis (e.g., SPC, capability analysis), using software such as Minitab, JMP, or equivalent.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to generate clear work instructions and to train technicians and operators.
- Desired Qualifications
- Education: Master of Science (M.S.) in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Direct experience in solid rocket motor manufacturing, specifically one or more of:
- Powder handling and conveyance systems for oxidizers or energetic materials.
Compensation
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Equity Grants in the Company
- You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Visa & Work Authorization
- Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U
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