Manufacturing Engineer

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.

As a Manufacturing Engineer focused on NPI and production readiness, you will be the architect of the production ecosystem. You will bridge the gap between initial hardware design and full-rate production by designing, simulating, and implementing world-class manufacturing systems. Your mission is to ensure that every subcomponent has a defined, validated path to flight/delivery, minimizing waste and maximizing OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) through rigorous Value Stream Mapping, DFM collaboration, and data-driven line balancing.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Systems Design & Simulation

• Value Stream Mapping (VSM): Define the end-to-end process flow for hardware, accounting for technical validation, cycle times, resource allocation, and equipment requirements.

• Factory Layout & Flow: Design production layouts that prioritize hardware flow and minimize wasted movement, ensuring all facility needs, safety standards, and industry requirements are documented and met.

• Modeling & Simulation: Input production line data into simulators to visualize flow, identify potential bottlenecks, and mitigate risks to the manufacturing system before physical implementation.

• Signaling & Logistics: Perform the mathematical calculations to balance production lines; design and implement IPKs, RIPs, KANBAN systems, and visual signaling strategies.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Collaboration

• Design Integration: Collaborate with Design, Quality, and Systems teams to ensure manufacturability is "baked into" the hardware at the earliest stages.

• Requirement Advocacy: Negotiate between design intent and manufacturing capability to ensure all hardware requirements are clearly stated on drawings and feasible for the production line.

• Risk Mitigation: Identify specific design-based risks to the manufacturing system and prioritize mitigation strategies during the production readiness phase.

• Production Readiness & "Burst Build" Execution

• Resource Planning: Define immediate needs for personnel, custom tooling, and equipment per workstation to feed into hiring plans and facilities updates.

• Mixed Model Strategy: Incorporate manufacturing actions into mixed-model calculations to define the resources needed for varied product throughput.

• Workstation Architecture: Transition "Burst Build" learnings into permanent workstation designs, including shadow boards, specialized lighting, validation methods, and ergonomic considerations.

• Documentation: Author and refine high-fidelity Work Instructions (WIs) based on iterative learnings from development builds.

• Continuous Improvement & Off-Nominal Planning

• Rework & Off-Line Strategy: Define "off-nominal" plans to accommodate hardware rework without downing the main production line.

• Bottleneck Optimization: Continuously track production bottlenecks and consistent rework areas to enforce process improvements and validation testing.

• Change Management: Establish and prioritize methods to document, track, and enforce system changes based on risk priority, ensuring visibility across the organization.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).

• Proven track record in NPI (New Product Introduction) within high-complexity industries (e.g., Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Devices).

• Proficiency in CAD (for layout design) and production simulation software.

• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and KANBAN signaling.

• Experience with Value Stream Mapping and Mixed Model line balancing.

• Exceptional negotiation skills to bridge the gap between design engineering and production technicians.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $76,000 - $94,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

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.