Build Operations Supervisor

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 Operations Supervisor – Build is responsible for day-to-day execution, safety, quality, and output for an assigned build area. This role leads a team of technicians, ensures assemblies and tests are completed on time and to specification, and drives improvements in processes, training, and tooling. The supervisor partners closely with engineering, planning, quality, and program management to meet schedule, cost, and quality targets.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead a team of build technicians, including daily task assignment, priority setting, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure build, assembly, integration, and test activities are executed per drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
• Run daily meetings to review safety, priorities, progress, and issues.
• Monitor work-in-progress; remove blockers and escalate issues to engineering and quality as needed.
• Work with planning/scheduling to translate production plans into executable technician workloads.
• Balance resources within the build area to meet milestones and commitments.
• Provide clear status updates and completion forecasts to stakeholders.
• Enforce adherence to procedures, work instructions, travelers/routers, and inspection requirements.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for nonconformances, test failures, and rework.
• Ensure accurate documentation of builds, deviations, rework, and test results in company systems.
• Promote a strong safety culture, including PPE compliance and safe use of tools and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area (e.g., 5S).
• Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and hazard assessments.
• Assess technician skills and assign work accordingly; develop cross-training across products and processes.
• Ensure technicians are properly trained and certified for the tasks they perform.
• Provide coaching and performance input; support hiring, onboarding, and retention.
• Identify opportunities to improve build flow, reduce cycle time, and increase reliability.
• Implement and sustain standard work, visual controls, and improvements to tooling, fixtures, and documentation.
• Capture lessons learned from production and development builds and coordinate improvements with engineering.
• Serve as the primary operations contact for the build area.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, supply chain, and other operations teams for issues, materials, inspections, and shared resources.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, assembly, or test operations.
• 1–3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Hands-on experience with complex mechanical, electrical, or integrated systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Familiarity with basic quality tools (e.g., NCRs, RCAs, CAPAs) and structured problem solving.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced production and/or development environment.
• Strong communication and coordination skills across technicians and cross-functional partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in low-volume, high-complexity environments (e.g., aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial equipment).
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and digital travelers/work instructions.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing, 5S, standard work, and/or Six Sigma.
• Experience managing mixed production and development work.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $42.69 - $53.36 per hour, 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 Non-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

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.