Engineering Operations Manager

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.

This role will report directly to the President of Liquid Systems and serve as a critical force multiplier—ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and strategic priorities. With a foundation in engineering (preferably defense or aerospace), this individual will combine program management discipline, operational oversight, and executive support to drive the Liquid Systems organization forward.

We are seeking someone who thrives in dynamic environments, anticipates needs, and executes with precision.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President of Liquid Systems, providing operational, project management, and administrative support.

• Manage and report on all Liquid Systems KPIs, driving metric-based behavior across the engineering, product, and operations teams.

• Work with and support the People Operations team in employee engagement, succession planning and strategic people focus initiatives.

• Deliver clear weekly reporting on organizational financial performance, milestones, risks, and key outcomes.

• Lead organizational design efforts and support rollouts as the Liquid Systems team grows and matures.

• Track key program deliverables, overall business risks, and dependencies, escalating issues when necessary.

• Coordinate internal and external communications, presentations, and reporting on behalf of Liquid Systems leadership.

• Take initiative, drive process improvements, and implement systems that increase efficiency and visibility.

• Support resource planning, budgeting, and staffing initiatives.

• Act as liaison between leadership, engineering teams, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, or related field).

• 8+ years of experience in engineering operations, defense/aerospace program management, or a related role.

• Proven track record managing complex technical projects in fast-paced environments.

• Demonstrated experience in KPI ownership, reporting, and applying metrics to drive organizational performance.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work across engineering and executive teams.

• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.

Desired Experience:

• Defense or aerospace industry background, with understanding of propulsion systems or liquid systems preferred.

• Experience supporting organizational design and growth initiatives.

• Prior experience supporting executive leadership or acting in a Chief of Staff capacity.

• Familiarity with operational excellence frameworks, program management tools, and reporting systems.

• Demonstrated record of proactively identifying opportunities, driving impactful results, and delivering innovative, hands-on solutions with a strong sense of ownership and commitment.

• Experience managing classified or sensitive defense-related projects.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $145,000 - $185,000, 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 - 401k with Company Match

• 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.