Director, Sourcing & Procurement

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, 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.

Responsibilities:

Lead the end-to-end procurement function, including strategic sourcing, supplier management, supplier quality, and supplier engineering initiatives

Develop, transform, and execute sourcing strategies that align with program requirements, production schedules, and long-term business objectives. Balance fast-paced development requirements with mature customer programs

Establish and create category management strategy for supply base

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 experience in procurement, supply chain, supplier quality, or supplier engineering within aerospace, defense, or 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 managing supplier quality and supplier development initiatives in regulated manufacturing environments

Experience supporting production scaling, new product introduction, and engineering-driven procurement activities

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 in a high-growth or startup aerospace and defense company

Familiarity with rocket propulsion systems, complex machined components, castings, forgings, and long-lead materials

Knowledge of aerospace quality and compliance standards, including AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and EAR 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 25% 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.