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.
As a Supplier Quality Engineer - Avionics, you will act as the technical quality subject matter expert for all electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) components, with a primary focus on supplier-facing activities. This role includes qualifying and managing vendors, conducting audits, supporting incoming inspection, and resolving supplier-driven issues, while also bridging into internal quality efforts related to MRB, failure analysis, and design for manufacturability. You will collaborate closely with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to uphold high standards of reliability, traceability, and compliance across both hypersonic and space applications. This role will also play a pivotal part in shaping and elevating the quality culture within the avionics organization. You will bring clarity, structure, and accountability to a highly technical environment that is still maturing in its approach to quality. Success in this role requires both technical credibility and the interpersonal skill to influence cross-functional teams, even when facing resistance or ambiguity.
Key Responsibilities- Serve as the supplier quality lead for all EEE components including PWB’s, CCA’s, harnesses, connectors, sensors, embedded electronics, and COTS parts, while also supporting quality assurance for non-EEE components as needed to ensure comprehensive supplier coverage.
- Lead supplier audits, source inspections, first article inspections, and ongoing surveillance to ensure compliance with quality and technical requirements.
- Develop and manage quality control documentation, acceptance test plans (ATP), and inspection criteria for EEE parts.
- Own the MRB process for incoming EEE components and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions with suppliers.
- Collaborate with engineering to support DFM/DFT initiatives, supplier capability assessments, and technical drawing reviews.
- Support the development of internal quality processes for handling, inspection, and qualification of EEE components.
- Ensure supplier adherence to industry standards such as AS9100, IPC-A-610/620, and J-STD-001. Familiarity with commonly flowed-down military and aerospace standards including MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-883, MIL-PRF-38535, SAE AS5553, and DFARS traceability requirements is preferred.
- Partner with supply chain to manage supplier scorecards, performance metrics, and quality-driven sourcing decisions.
- Support internal teams in failure analysis and quality escapes involving EEE components.
- Monitor, review, and act on GIDEP alerts to ensure timely response to part obsolescence, counterfeit risks, or known quality issues impacting EEE components.
- Support or initiate Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) activities for high-reliability EEE parts, especially in cases of supplier risk, failure investigation, or qualification of mission-critical components.
- Perform regular domestic travel for supplier visits, audits, and technical reviews.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, with a focus on supplier management and EEE components.
- Working knowledge of IPC-A-610/620, J-STD-001, and aerospace electronics quality standards.
- Experience with AS9100 quality systems and supplier audits.
- Strong understanding of electronics manufacturing processes and quality assurance principles.
- Proven ability to drive quality culture change in dynamic or engineering-led organizations; comfortable building structure in areas that lack existing process maturity.
- Strong familiarity with IPC or J-STD workmanship standards; ability to evaluate supplier compliance against these standards.
- Familiarity with DO-254, DO-178C, or MIL/NASA standards for space or hypersonic environments.
- Experience managing supplier quality for COTS and custom electronics.
- Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in supplier root cause and corrective action.
- Hands-on experience with environmental and functional test validation for EEE components.
- Ongoing professional development and certification support.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $115,000, 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: (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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- 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.
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.
Similar Jobs at Ursa Major
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
