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.
The Director, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement is responsible for leading the strategic and operational procurement function across direct materials, supplier quality, and supplier engineering. This role will support efficient, scalable manufacturing operations within a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. This role drives sourcing strategy, supplier performance, quality compliance, and supplier development initiatives to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence. The Director will partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to enable reliable execution of aerospace and defense programs while strengthening supplier capabilities and mitigating supply chain risk. This role is based out of our Berthoud, Colorado facility with up to 50% travel.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end procurement function, including strategic sourcing, supplier management, supplier quality, and supplier engineering initiatives with an initial emphasis on supporting the scale-up of SRM, hypersonic and in-space propulsion programs
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support the transition from development and qualification through LRIP and rate production, balancing the speed required for emerging programs with the rigor required for mature customer programs
- Establish category management strategies across critical propulsion and aerospace commodities, including energetic materials, specialty chemicals and raw materials, complex machined components, cases/structures, nozzles and thermal systems, castings/forgings, valves, electronics/avionics, and other long-lead components
- Build and maintain a high-performing supplier base capable of supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing requirements, including scalability, quality, delivery, and cost targets
- Lead supplier engineering efforts to improve supplier process capability, product conformity, and manufacturing readiness
- Manage supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality performance, responsiveness, and cost reduction initiatives
- Partner closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to support new product introduction (NPI), qualification activities, first article inspections (FAI), and supplier readiness for production ramp
- Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives using root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process improvement methodologies
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including long-lead material constraints, single-source dependencies, geopolitical concerns, and supplier capacity limitations
- Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and supplier agreements to optimize cost, lead time, and commercial terms
- Ensure procurement and supplier management activities comply with aerospace and defense regulatory requirements, including ITAR/EAR and AS9100 standards
- Develop deep knowledge of ERP/MRP systems to improve procurement process including material visibility, purchasing efficiency, and inventory performance
- Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, Planning, Program Management, and Finance to align procurement strategies with production and customer delivery commitments
- Drive process standardization, procurement policy improvements, and scalable systems to support organizational growth
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement and supplier engineering team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
- Provide regular reporting and strategic insights to executive leadership regarding supplier performance, material availability, procurement risk, and cost trends
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field
- 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, supplier development, or supplier engineering within aerospace, defense, propulsion, missiles/munitions, space systems, or other highly regulated advanced manufacturing environments
- Proven experience leading procurement and supplier management functions in a complex, cross-functional organization
- Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost management, and procurement operations
- Demonstrated experience supporting the transition of complex aerospace, defense, propulsion, missile, munitions, or similarly technical hardware from development/NPI into production and increasing manufacturing rates
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technical drawings, specifications, and quality systems
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement planning tools
- Strong leadership and team management experience
- Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
Preferred Experience:
- Advanced degree (MBA or MS) in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, or related field
- Experience supporting solid rocket motors, hypersonic systems, missile systems, propulsion, energetics, munitions, or other high-rate defense production programs
- Experience with energetic materials, propellant-related raw materials and chemicals, specialty metals, complex machining, cases/structures, nozzles, thermal protection systems, castings, forgings, valves, or aerospace electronics
- Knowledge of aerospace quality and compliance standards, including AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and EAR requirements, FAR/DFAR requirements
- Experience leading supplier audits, qualification activities, and corrective action programs
- APICS/ASCM certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) and/or supplier quality certifications
- Experience implementing procurement process improvements and scalable supply chain systems
Working Conditions / Physical Demands
- Primarily office-based with regular interaction across operations, supply chain, engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams
- Occasional time spent in warehouse or production environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and work on a computer for prolonged durations
- Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., materials, documents, or equipment)
- Ability to travel up to 50% domestically to supplier sites, manufacturing partners, and company facilities as needed
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $187,000 - $234,000, 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.
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.
