Product Quality Engineer, In-Space Propulsion

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.

About Us

Ursa Major designs and manufactures propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems, addressing critical gaps in the U.S. industrial base. Our innovative approach requires an extraordinary team of intrinsically motivated individuals passionate about problem-solving and continuous improvement. We value collaboration, adaptability, and a relentless drive to improve both personally and professionally.

Role Summary

We are looking for a Product Quality Engineer to support quality on our in-space propulsion product line: hydrazine-based satellite propulsion systems, including tanks, valves, thrusters, and tubing assemblies. This is an entry-level role, and we welcome strong candidates coming straight out of school.

You will report to the Product Quality Engineering Lead and work day to day under the direction of a Senior Quality Engineer, who will serve as your mentor. You will spend much of your time on the production floor, learning how flight hardware is built, inspected, and accepted, and taking on more ownership as you grow.

What We're Looking For

We hire for attitude and work ethic as much as experience. The right person for this role:

• Takes direction well and asks questions when something isn't clear

• Follows through on commitments and owns mistakes openly

• Treats technicians and teammates with respect

• Values getting it right over getting it done fast

• Is eager to learn propulsion hardware from experienced engineers

Key Responsibilities

Floor Support

• Provide day-to-day quality support to technicians and manufacturing engineers building propellant tanks, valves, thrusters, and tubing assemblies.

• Respond to quality questions on the floor and escalate issues promptly to your mentor and the Product Quality Engineering Lead.

• Support welding and brazing operations by verifying that work follows released procedures and that required inspections are completed and documented.

Cleanliness and FOD Control

• Support cleanroom discipline, FOD prevention, and technical cleanliness requirements for propellant-wetted hardware.

• Help verify cleanliness inspections and particle or NVR results against drawing and specification requirements.

Inspection Planning and Metrology

• Develop and maintain inspection plans and inspection points in travelers under the guidance of a Senior Quality Engineer.

• Interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, and translate requirements into clear inspection criteria.

• Work with inspection to plan dimensional and surface metrology for critical features such as sealing surfaces, valve seats, and weld and braze joints.

Nonconformance Management

• Document nonconformances accurately, coordinate containment, and drive NCRs through review and disposition to closure.

• Participate in root cause investigations and support corrective actions.

First Article Inspection

• Support AS9102 First Article Inspections by gathering inspection results, compiling FAI packages, and tracking open items to closure.

Other Duties

• Support AS9100 audits, procedure updates, and quality data collection as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Materials, or another engineering discipline.

• 0–2 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or a related engineering role. Internships, co-ops, and hands-on student project teams count.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

• Clear written and verbal communication, and careful attention to detail in documentation.

• Comfort working hands-on in a production environment, including cleanroom areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience with GD&T, dimensional metrology, or surface finish measurement.

• Exposure to welding, brazing, or fluid system components such as valves, fittings, and tubing.

• Experience on a student rocketry, CubeSat, Formula SAE, or similar project team.

• Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102 FAI, or basic root cause analysis tools.

• Exposure to cleanroom, FOD control, or precision cleaning practices.

• Basic statistics or data analysis skills.

Work Environment

• This is an on-site position at our manufacturing facility in Berthoud, Colorado. The role includes regular time on the production floor and in cleanroom areas.

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident).

• Classification: Full-time Exempt

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $75,000 - $93,000, 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.

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

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.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

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.