{"id":3300616,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics","title":"Senior SRM Quality Engineer - Energetics","company":{"id":58870,"name":"Ursa Major","domain":"ursamajor.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/ursa-major","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":84,"open_postings":11,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.636,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":44,"computed_at":"2026-11-01T06:10:25Z"}},"role":"Defense","role_family":"Defense","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Berthoud, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":107000,"max":133000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":133000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"AS9100","optional":false},{"name":"FMEA","optional":false},{"name":"Statistical Process Control","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-26T21:15:33Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-26","last_verified_at":"2026-11-01T06:22:21Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":5,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":5},"description":"The future of aerospace and defense starts here. \n\nUrsa 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. \nOverview\nThe Senior SRM Quality Engineer - Energetics owns product and process quality for solid rocket motor propellant manufacturing: ammonium perchlorate (AP) milling, propellant mixing, casting, and cure. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role embedded with our Manufacturing, Engineering, and Development teams, with a primary mission of ensuring process control and product integrity from raw energetic materials through a cured, inspected motor.\nThis engineer will also build out our in-house radiographic NDT capability, working alongside a Level 3 NDT technician. That means optimizing our existing X-ray system in the near term, then standing up additional radiography systems as program needs grow, and using radiographic findings to drive improvements back into the propellant processes. While the role supports broader SRM quality (insulation, liners, composites, FOD control) and compliance efforts, energetics process quality and radiography are its core.\nThis role reports into the Quality organization and is fully integrated with the SRM energetics, product, and manufacturing teams. It works closely with the Level 3 NDT technician, the site Radiation Safety Officer, EHS and process safety, propellant engineering, and the SRM-focused supply chain engineer.\nCore Responsibilities\nEnergetics Process Quality\nOwn the quality of propellant manufacturing processes in close partnership with our design and energetics engineers, who set product and process requirements. Quality's role is to ensure those requirements are validated and consistently met in production for:\nAP milling and particle size measurements/morphology: particle size distribution verification, mill parameter control, moisture control, lot traceability, and blend ratios of coarse/fine fractions.\nMixing: raw material acceptance and lot control, ingredient weigh-up verification, mix sequence and parameter control (time, temperature, vacuum, shear), and in-process sampling and testing (e.g., viscosity, pot life, end-of-mix properties).\nCasting: vacuum casting parameter control, pot life management, void prevention, flow and fill verification, and witness/test specimen generation.\nCure: cure cycle verification and monitoring against engineering-defined profiles, oven and temperature uniformity verification, data recording and review, and post-cure property testing (e.g., hardness, mechanical properties, density).\nWithin these processes, the engineer will:\nWork with design and energetics engineers to identify critical process parameters and key characteristics, then implement the sampling plans, inspections, and reaction plans that verify them.\nValidate that engineering-defined propellant and ingredient acceptance criteria, specifications, and lot release requirements are met, and flag requirements that are unclear or can't be verified.\nApply SPC and data-driven methods to monitor batch-to-batch consistency and detect process drift early.\nFacilitate process FMEAs and control plans with engineering for new and changing energetics processes.\nLead process qualification and validation with engineering, defining when an energetics process is qualified and frozen, and own change control for qualified processes.\nOwn review and release of energetics batch records (weigh-ups, mix parameters, cure profiles) and ensure data integrity.\nWork closely with the SRM-focused supply chain engineer on energetic raw material quality, including incoming acceptance and lot-to-lot variability.\nEnsure test equipment and instrumentation supporting energetics processes (balances, thermocouples, rheometers, particle size analyzers, ovens) are calibrated and fit for use, and lead MSA / gage R&R on critical test methods (e.g., viscosity, particle size, mechanical properties, density).\nEmbed quality requirements within energetics safety constraints, working closely with EHS and process safety teams.\nRadiographic NDT: Optimize and Build Out\nOwn our radiography capability for SRM inspection, first optimizing the existing system and then standing up new systems as needed. Responsibilities are split as follows: the Level 3 NDT technician owns technique development, procedures, and personnel certification; the site Radiation Safety Officer owns radiation safety and licensing; and this engineer owns inspection requirements, acceptance criteria, capital projects, and integration with production.\n Optimize the existing system:Assess current X-ray equipment against SRM inspection needs (motor size, defect types such as voids, cracks, and bondline separations, and required sensitivity).\nDrive the improvement roadmap for technique, fixturing, and image quality, and lead capability demonstrations on representative defect standards, with the Level 3 owning technique development and procedure qualification.\nIncrease throughput and reliability while the system remains in production use.\n\n Stand up new systems:Define requirements for additional radiography systems (e.g., larger-format motors, real-time radiography, or CT) as program needs grow.\nLead equipment evaluation, facility layout, and installation, and recommend capital investments for new systems. Coordinate with the site Radiation Safety Officer, who owns radiation safety and licensing.\nQualify each new system and bring it into production use, accounting for explosives safety and siting constraints when imaging loaded motors.\n\n Across all systems:Partner with design engineering as they define radiographic acceptance criteria for propellant grains, bondlines, and case/insulation interfaces, and validate inspections against them.\nSupport the Level 3's NDT personnel qualification and certification program (e.g., NAS 410 / SNT-TC-1A written practice) and integrate it into the QMS.\nIntegrate radiography records with dispositions and MRB.\nClose the loop between inspection and process: trace radiographic indications (voids, cracks, bondline separations) back to mix, cast, and cure parameters, and drive corrective action with engineering.\n\nBroader SRM Quality\nServe as the quality point of contact across SRM development and production campaigns.\nSupport quality control for related SRM processes, including insulation, liner, and inhibitor application; composites layup and cure; and case preparation and bonding.\nDrive FOD prevention and cleanliness control in energetics and motor assembly areas.\nEstablish and maintain in-process inspection criteria, checkpoints, and traveler sign-offs.\nLead root cause analysis, rapid containment, and corrective action for nonconformances; support MRB dispositions.\nExercise authority to stop processing, place lots on hold, and reject product that does not meet requirements, and serve as a quality member of MRB.\nDevelop clear, usable quality documentation, including inspection plans, control plans, and work instructions.\nTrain and coach production personnel in quality standards and best practices.\nSupport internal and external audits and AS9100 compliance.\nChampion a culture of quality, ownership, and continuous improvement on the production floor.\nOther duties as assigned.\nQualifications\nRequired\nBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).\n5+ years in a manufacturing quality engineering or process engineering role, ideally in aerospace, defense, or energetic materials.\nHands-on experience with energetic materials or comparable hazardous batch chemical processes (mixing, casting, curing, or particle size reduction).\nStrong working knowledge of process-based quality tools: process validation, control plans, PFMEA, SPC, MSA / gage R&R, and root cause analysis.\nExperience owning an inspection capability or capital project from requirements through production use.\nExperience with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality standards.\nDemonstrated ability to operate hands-on in fast-paced, safety-critical environments.\nStrong communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.\nAbility to obtain an ATF employee possessor license.\nPreferred\nDirect experience with composite solid propellant (e.g., AP/HTPB) manufacturing, including AP grinding or milling.\nExperience improving, expanding, or qualifying an NDT capability, particularly radiography or computed tomography (CT) of SRMs.\nFamiliarity with radiographic NDT principles and image quality requirements, NAS 410 / SNT-TC-1A, and ASTM radiographic standards.\nExperience with propellant characterization methods (rheology, mechanical properties, burn rate, particle size analysis).\nFamiliarity with DoD energetics and explosives safety requirements (e.g., DESR 6055.09).\nExperience with insulation, liner, and composite case manufacturing.\nExperience in cleanroom or FOD-sensitive environments.\nColorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $107,000 - $133,000, 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. \nClassification: Full-time Exempt\nBenefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)\nUnlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement\nPaid Parental and Adoptive Leave\nMedical, Dental and Vision Insurance\nTax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)\nEmployer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D\nAdditional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport\nEAP Program\nRetirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match\nHow To Apply: \nInterested 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.\nNOTE: 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.\nMust be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).\nEligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. \nWe’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.\nNo outside recruiters, please.","description_format":"text","description_chars":10819,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":5,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["401k plan","Retirement plans","Unlimited PTO","Vision insurance"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Aerospace Manufacturing","Defense Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-26T23:32:36Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":70,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.695,"p_room":1,"age_days":5,"expected_fill_days":44,"reasons":["conf:3","stale_co","urgency","velocity","win:early","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-11-01T06:10:25Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":133000,"is_top_pay":false},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/ursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/ursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-01T07:56:50Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":12263,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-02T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":58870},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=58870"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/ursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fursa-major-senior-srm-quality-engineer-energetics"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":3300616}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"ursamajor.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":3300616},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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