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Program Manager, Solid Rocket Motors

Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems. 

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

The Program Manager provides direction and ensures programmatic success across multiple SRM applications. We are looking for an individual who thrives when creating order out of chaos, can excel as a technical subject matter expert, and can drive tough decisions for our SRM programs. You’ll navigate technical challenges that will have a direct impact on the success of both Ursa and of our customers. 

Responsibilities 

  • Manages internal SRM program execution, from initial program plan definition through ultimate mission success. 
  • Lead a project team to meet customer requirements within allocated cost and schedule commitments. 
  • Provide leadership and oversight for Department of Defense (DoD) development programs, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and organizational goals. 
  • Manage the full lifecycle of defense proposal development, including strategy, planning, writing, and submission, to secure new business opportunities and contracts. 
  • Develop, oversee, and coordinate the cost/schedule/technical aspects of an ongoing engineering project within the program guidelines set by the Program Manager and customer. 
  • Full lifecycle engineering support for a range of software and hardware development, assembly, and integration and test efforts. 
  • Review status of engineering projects and budgets, teams with Program Manager on schedules; drives execution, identifies opportunities, and delivers results through achieving payment milestones. 
  • Leads internal status updates and milestone reviews. Responsible for presenting both programmatic and technical material. 
  • Collaborates with team members to write, review, and deliver technical deliverables. Includes systems engineering requirements, change requests, risk definitions and mitigation plans, nonconformance reports, and data reviews. 
  • Participates in business strategy discussions. Responsible for understanding and communicating impacts across programs during decision-making. 
  • Brief executive team on program execution, risks, and key performance metrics (KPIs). 
  • Assess engineering issues and develops resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and customer-satisfaction goals and objectives. 
  • Identifies, tracks, mitigates, manages, and dispositions program-level risks and opportunities. 
  • Estimate resource and material needs for the project/product. 
  • Work in a collaborative team environment on quick reaction projects and have regular contact with customers. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. 
  • 5+ years of experience as a technical program manager, project or team lead. 
  • Demonstrated leadership in aerospace or another highly technical program. 
  • Prior experience as a project engineer, program manager, or team lead in a production or manufacturing role managing schedules and delegating tasks. 
  • Passion for creatively developing a program plan despite resource constraints and the flexibility to adapt as inputs rapidly change. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to pull data into a coherent presentation, paper, or briefing for customers and stakeholders. 
  • Excellent understanding and experience with Microsoft Suite or practical experience implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) tools on projects. 
  • Technical expertise in manufacturing, design, test, analysis, or integration. 
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment 
  • This position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance. 

Desired Experience 

  • Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA. 
  • Strong understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements. 
  • Demonstrated success in complex program definition and management. 
  • DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher. 

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $130,000- $170,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits. 

 

Benefits Include:

  • 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

 


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.
 
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.
 
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Average salary estimate

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What You Should Know About Program Manager, Solid Rocket Motors, Ursa Major

At Ursa Major in Berthoud, Colorado, we’re on a mission to revolutionize aerospace and defense systems with our exceptional propulsion systems. As a Program Manager for Solid Rocket Motors (SRM), you'll play a pivotal role in steering our innovative projects to success. If you’re the kind of person who thrives on creating order from chaos and enjoys leveraging your technical expertise to drive tough decisions, this is the role for you! You’ll manage SRM program execution from inception to ultimate success, guiding a talented team focused on meeting customer requirements while adhering to budget and timelines. You’ll also engage in Department of Defense development programs and lead proposal developments for new business opportunities. As someone who can confidently navigate the complexities of engineering projects, you’ll oversee key aspects like cost, schedule, and technical delivery. In our collaborative environment, you’ll work closely with a dynamic team, conducting status updates and milestone reviews, and presenting critical information to our executive team. We celebrate creativity and adaptability, providing you the flexibility you need as you tackle engineering challenges to elevate our products and satisfy our customers. If you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and over five years of relevant experience, along with a passion for the aerospace industry, we encourage you to think about joining our energetic team at Ursa Major. You’ll not only enjoy excellent benefits, including unlimited PTO and equity grants, but you’ll also find a supportive culture that emphasizes personal growth and teamwork!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Program Manager, Solid Rocket Motors Role at Ursa Major
What does a Program Manager at Ursa Major do?

A Program Manager at Ursa Major is responsible for overseeing the execution of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) programs from start to finish, ensuring that all project tasks align with customer requirements and organizational goals. This role involves managing teams, driving decision-making, and effectively organizing programmatic efforts in a fast-paced environment.

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What qualifications are required for the Program Manager position at Ursa Major?

To qualify for the Program Manager role at Ursa Major, candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and have at least five years of experience in a technical program management, project, or team lead role within a manufacturing or production environment. Strong communication and leadership skills are also essential.

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What skills are important for a Program Manager at Ursa Major?

Key skills for a Program Manager at Ursa Major include technical expertise in manufacturing and design, strong verbal and written communication abilities, knowledge of Earned Value Management, and the capability to manage project schedules and resources effectively within a rapidly changing environment.

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What is the salary range for the Program Manager position at Ursa Major?

The salary range for the Program Manager position at Ursa Major is between $130,000 and $170,000, based on the candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. This wide range reflects our commitment to finding the right fit for our team and acknowledging diverse backgrounds.

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What benefits does Ursa Major offer for the Program Manager role?

Ursa Major provides a comprehensive benefits package, including unlimited PTO for vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement days, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, tax-advantaged accounts, disability coverage, retirement savings plans, and equity grants in the company.

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Is a security clearance required for the Program Manager job at Ursa Major?

Yes, a Secret Clearance or eligibility for it is required for the Program Manager position at Ursa Major, in alignment with the requirements of working on Department of Defense projects.

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What kind of work environment can I expect as a Program Manager at Ursa Major?

As a Program Manager at Ursa Major, you can look forward to a collaborative and energetic work environment that emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. You'll have the chance to lead significant aerospace projects while navigating exciting challenges in a supportive culture.

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Common Interview Questions for Program Manager, Solid Rocket Motors
How do you manage multiple SRM projects simultaneously as a Program Manager?

When managing multiple SRM projects, it's crucial to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and resource availability. I would utilize project management tools to maintain clear communication with the team, set achievable milestones, and regularly review progress to ensure each project stays on track and meets customer expectations.

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Can you describe a challenging technical problem you faced in a previous role and how you resolved it?

One significant challenge I faced involved a delay in the supply chain that impacted a critical component for an SRM project. To resolve the issue, I coordinated with suppliers to expedite the shipping process and explored alternative sourcing options, which ultimately helped us meet our project deadlines while maintaining quality.

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What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication with your project team?

I believe in fostering open communication through regular check-ins and status updates, utilizing collaborative tools to keep everyone informed. Encouraging feedback and providing a platform for team members to voice concerns creates a positive environment where information flows freely.

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How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure as a Program Manager?

Tight deadlines require a structured approach. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance while keeping the team motivated. By creating realistic timelines and allocating resources effectively, I ensure the project remains on schedule without compromising quality. I also maintain transparency with stakeholders to set expectations.

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What techniques do you use for risk management in aerospace projects?

I employ a proactive risk management strategy by identifying potential risks early in the project lifecycle. Using tools like SWOT analysis, I develop mitigation plans and continuously monitor project developments to adjust strategies as needed, ensuring we can adequately respond to challenges.

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Describe your experience with proposal development and securing new business opportunities.

My experience with proposal development involves crafting compelling proposals through thorough research and understanding client needs. I've led cross-functional teams to align our offerings with customer requirements, ensuring our submissions stand out in a competitive landscape and enhance our chances of securing contracts.

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How do you ensure your team stays motivated and productive?

I focus on creating an environment where team members feel valued and engaged. Regular feedback, acknowledging contributions, and providing opportunities for professional growth are instrumental. Additionally, I foster a culture of collaboration and support that encourages creativity and enhances productivity.

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How do you approach technical document review and delivery?

I approach document review with an attention to detail and a focus on aligning technical deliverables with project objectives. I ensure that all documents undergo thorough checks for clarity, consistency, and accuracy before presenting them to stakeholders, which enhances our credibility and communication.

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What methodology do you apply for project planning and execution?

My project planning methodology typically involves Agile principles, allowing flexibility while ensuring that tasks are completed within set timelines. By engaging all team members in the planning process, we create a shared understanding of goals and foster accountability during execution.

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How do you assess project performance and make necessary adjustments?

I utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate project performance regularly. By analyzing project data and soliciting team input, I can identify areas for improvement. This information allows me to pivot strategies and address any issues proactively while keeping stakeholders informed.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
November 28, 2024

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