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.
As a Program Capture Manager, you will lead program-side ownership of mature opportunities entering the final stages of the bid process — including RFIs, ROMs, and formal RFP responses. Embedded within the Program Management Office (PMO) and closely partnered with Business Development, this role is responsible for bid planning, cost and headcount modeling, proposal content generation, internal coordination, and execution strategy development. Following award, you will support early program startup activities and ensure a structured handoff to the long-term Program Manager. This role is critical to ensuring high-quality, executable proposals and a clean transition into delivery.
Responsibilities
- Own program management responsibilities for qualified opportunities in the late-stage bid cycle, including RFIs, ROMs, RFPs, and contract modifications.
- Understand & execute bid strategy, program approach, and execution assumptions in partnership with Business Development, Engineering, Finance, and Legal.
- Lead development of proposal documentation including schedules, headcount plans, SOWs, execution strategy slides, risk registers, and compliance matrices.
- Develop and maintain detailed cost models, pricing frameworks, and resource estimates aligned with customer requirements and internal constraints.
- Manage internal gate reviews for late-stage opportunities as assigned and ensure alignment across executive and technical stakeholders.
- Interface with customers as needed during proposal refinement and submission.
- Support initial contract negotiation efforts in coordination with BD and Contracts.
- Upon award, lead early-phase program startup: build initial schedules, establish program budgets, validate staffing needs, and facilitate kickoff.
- Transition awarded programs to long-term Program Managers with full documentation and context.
- Identify and escalate risks, resourcing gaps, or delivery challenges prior to program execution.
- Contribute to internal process development around bid submission, cost modeling, and program startup best practices.
- Work with supply chain to scope sub tier supplier requirements / strategy per proposal or bid effort and ensure continuity with sub tier strategy through contract signature and program kickoff.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of experience in program management, project engineering, proposal development, or equivalent roles in aerospace or defense.
- Strong understanding of program execution planning, cost modeling, and headcount estimation.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams to generate proposal deliverables under tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, including the ability to create high-quality proposal artifacts.
- Familiarity with government contract structures, compliance requirements, and the formal bid process (FAR/DFARS, etc.).
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint; ability to work within structured review and approval processes.
- Eligible for a U.S. DoD Secret clearance.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with DoD or Prime contractor proposal submissions and program kickoff (e.g., with Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, or Northrop Grumman).
- Familiarity with propulsion systems or solid rocket motor development environments.
- Exposure to Earned Value Management (EVM), proposal pricing tools, or cost-volume generation.
- Working knowledge of contract startup processes and internal handoff best practices.
- Active DoD Secret clearance.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $100,000 - $140,000, 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.
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
Top Skills
Ursa Major Berthoud, Colorado, USA Office
Our one-of-a kind campus co-locates engineering, manufacturing, & testing operations, allowing for unmatched development time and the chance for employees, customers, and investors alike to experience rocket engine testing as a part of the normal work day.
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