LEADERSHIP TEAM

Chris Spagnoletti is the Chief Executive Officer of Ursa Major, where he leads the company’s strategy, growth, operations, and business execution. Spagnoletti is driving Ursa Major’s next phase of growth, expanding production capacity across hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and space mobility systems, and building at the speed and scale the warfighter demands.

Spagnoletti brings more than three decades of aerospace and defense leadership across engineering, operations, manufacturing, and business development. Before Ursa Major, he was President of U.S. Cargo Systems, a TransDigm business, delivering critical aviation solutions across defense and commercial markets.

He joined Ursa Major in 2022, most recently serving as President of Liquid Systems, where he advanced the company’s hypersonics and space programs, and its evolution from propulsion provider to all-up-round integrator. As CEO, his focus is transitioning Ursa Major’s game changing technology into reliable, affordable systems produced at rate.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Vermont

Justin Siebert is the Chief Operating Officer at Ursa Major, where he leads production and manufacturing across the company, scaling the industrial capacity and the affordable, high-rate methods behind Ursa Major’s hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and space mobility systems.

Siebert has held operations leadership roles across the aerospace, defense, and space sectors at both Fortune 100 and private equity-backed organizations, including large-scale space propulsion programs. He was previously COO of ArmorWorks and held leadership roles at Firefly Aerospace, BAE Systems, Magellan Aerospace, and Honeywell Aerospace.

He leads Ursa Major’s operations at all of Ursa Major’s locations, including Berthoud, Galeton, and Longmont, CO and additive manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio.

Bachelor of Science in Operations Management, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University

Jason Meredith is the President of Solid Missile Systems at Ursa Major, where he leads program execution and engineering for the company’s solid rocket motor portfolio—motors from 2 to 22 inches in diameter across a range of defense programs and platforms. He is responsible for delivering Ursa Major’s critical SRM capability at the speed modern conflicts require.

Meredith brings more than two decades in aerospace, defense, and solid propulsion, with a track record of turning advanced propulsion technology into fielded, production-ready systems. He has held senior engineering, program, and business leadership roles at Northrop Grumman, Orbital ATK, and Pratt & Whitney.

At Ursa Major, he is driving the next generation of flexible, additive-enabled solid rocket motor manufacturing, built to support multiple programs, adapt to evolving mission requirements, and produce at rate.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University

Kip Freeman is the President of Liquid Systems at Ursa Major, where he leads hypersonics and space systems. He oversees program execution and engineering for the company’s HAVOC missile system, liquid propulsion products, including the flight-proven Hadley engine, and in-space propulsion systems.

Freeman brings nearly four decades of aerospace and defense leadership experience. Prior to joining Ursa Major, he served as President of Airborne Systems North America and Pexco Aerospace, both TransDigm companies, leading organizations that support critical military and commercial aerospace programs. He also held General Manager roles across three Triumph Group businesses and director-level leadership positions at Collins Aerospace and Goodrich. His experience spans advanced avionics, thermal management systems, and flight-critical equipment. Freeman currently serves on the board of ASIC North.

At Ursa Major, he is advancing the company’s hypersonic capability, delivering affordable, high-performance systems for the warfighter.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Chip Niemann is the Chief Financial Officer at Ursa Major, where he leads financial strategy, accounting operations, capital planning, and long-term growth, supporting the company’s expansion in hypersonics systems, solid rocket motors and prime integration.

Niemann brings more than fifteen years of leadership across finance, accounting, and business operations. He began his career at Ernst & Young, earning his CPA in the firm’s audit practice, and later held consulting roles at HSSK and Accumyn Consulting.

As Ursa Major scales from a fast-growing startup into a trusted defense partner, he leads capital allocation, strategic investment, and financial execution across an expanding portfolio.

Master of Accounting, University of Southern California

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of Southern California

Chris Engdahl is the Chief Safety and Risk Officer at Ursa Major, where he leads safety and cybersecurity practices across all business lines, strengthening operational discipline as the company’s products move into production at scale.

Engdahl served as the 58th Commander of Naval Safety Command. His tours at sea ranged from Nuclear Quality Assurance Officer to Commander, Destroyer Squadron Nine and Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7. Ashore, he served as a strategic planner on the Joint Staff (J5), Chief of Staff to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, and President of the Board of Inspection and Survey.

As Ursa Major expands its facilities, product lines, and workforce, Engdahl ensures the company meets the safety, risk, and cybersecurity standards that scalable production demands.

Master of Arts in National Security Policy Studies, U.S. Naval War College

Bachelor of Science in History, United States Naval

Artificial Intelligence for National Security Leaders, MIT Sloan School of Management

Kayla Smith is Ursa Major’s General Counsel, where she oversees the company’s legal affairs and advises leadership across the organization, implementing solutions that advance the company’s goals while keeping Ursa Major in compliance with complex legal and regulatory requirements.

Smith has more than a decade of experience advising clients on regulatory and compliance matters. Before Ursa Major, she served as Associate General Counsel at Sierra Space Corporation and as Counsel at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP.

Juris Doctor, University of Colorado — Order of the Coif

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, English Literature, and Italian, University of Pittsburgh

James Swartout is the Vice President of Strategy at Ursa Major, where he leads corporate strategy, government engagement, and long-term growth as the company advances its position in hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and space mobility systems.

Swartout brings deep experience at the highest levels of government and national security. He served as Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, advising on critical defense acquisition, industrial base, and sustainment priorities. At The MITRE Corporation, he was Director of National Security Policy.

Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of the Air Force during a presidential transition, as a spokesperson and senior advisor to two Deputy Secretaries of Defense, and as communications counselor to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.

At Ursa Major, he applies that expertise across the services to accelerate delivery of affordable, high-performance systems for the warfighter.

Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Portland

Nick Doucette is the Vice President of Strategic Operations at Ursa Major, where he leads operational strategy and execution as the company scales the next generation of hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and space mobility systems. Since joining in 2016, he has helped build the foundation to deliver reliable, affordable, high-performance systems at speed.

Before Ursa Major, Doucette worked at SpaceX, leading manufacturing teams for Dragon capsule propulsion systems, Merlin and Raptor engine production, and additive manufacturing processes. That experience, leading vertically integrated teams, advanced production methods, streamlined operations, shaped his approach to scaling high-performance hardware organizations.

At Ursa Major, he applies that expertise to drive operational excellence, manufacturing innovation, and product scalability across the company’s portfolio.

Master of Business Administration (Finance), Indiana University Kelley School of Business

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Boston University

Alyssa Gindl is the Senior Director and Head of People Operations at Ursa Major, where she leads people strategy, talent development, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience. Since joining in 2023, she has built the people infrastructure, talent, and culture to support the company’s rapid growth.

Gindl brings more than a decade leading people operations and talent strategy in high-growth organizations, building and scaling teams and leading programs that strengthen culture, engagement, and leadership development through periods of rapid growth and transformation.

At Ursa Major, she focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while building a culture that empowers employees to deliver on the mission.

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, Mercyhurst University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Marist University

Savanah Bray, PhD, is the Director and Head of Marketing and Communications at Ursa Major, where she leads the integrated marketing and communications function, including brand strategy, public relations, advertising, digital marketing, social media, and internal communications, shaping the company’s public narrative and strengthening engagement with customers, partners, employees, and stakeholders across the aerospace and defense ecosystem.

Before Ursa Major, Bray led global communications and marketing for Raytheon’s Air Power strategic business unit. Earlier, she served as a Public Affairs Officer in the United States Air Force, supporting fighter and bomber weapons testing, tactics development, and operational communications. She continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Her experience across defense, government, and industry lets her translate complex technical capability into compelling narrative, elevating the brand and communicating the impact of defense technologies that strengthen national security.

Doctor of Philosophy, Business Administration, University of Denver

Master of Public Affairs, University of Missouri–Columbia

Bachelor of Arts, Integrated Strategic Communications, University of Kentucky

Chris Spagnoletti is the Chief Executive Officer of Ursa Major, where he leads the company’s strategy, growth, operations, and business execution. Spagnoletti is driving Ursa Major’s next phase of growth, expanding production capacity across hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and space mobility systems, and building at the speed and scale the warfighter demands.

Spagnoletti brings more than three decades of aerospace and defense leadership across engineering, operations, manufacturing, and business development. Before Ursa Major, he was President of U.S. Cargo Systems, a TransDigm business, delivering critical aviation solutions across defense and commercial markets.

He joined Ursa Major in 2022, most recently serving as President of Liquid Systems, where he advanced the company’s hypersonics and space programs, and its evolution from propulsion provider to all-up-round integrator. As CEO, his focus is transitioning Ursa Major’s game changing technology into reliable, affordable systems produced at rate.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Vermont

Lior is an investor, entrepreneur, and the Founder and Managing Partner of Eclipse Ventures. He is passionate about building groundbreaking technology companies.

He’s an unlikely venture capitalist. Lior grew up on a kibbutz (ask him about banana farming) and spent many years in the Special Forces of the Israeli military. After he’d completed his military service, he did what he so often does – set out to solve a big problem. In 2008, Lior joined his brother to help build Intucell, a pioneer in the software-defined networking space for global telecommunications networks. After four years, Cisco acquired the company.
Following the acquisition, Lior joined Flex, a multinational manufacturing leader, where he led the hardware investment platform, Lab IX. During his time at Flex, Lior was immersed in many “old-line,” physical industries. He witnessed firsthand the headwinds these sectors were facing, in addition to inefficiencies and eroding of competitive advantage these negative forces were causing.

Lior became convinced that digital transformation would strengthen physical industries and support both economic and national security. As a result, in late 2014, Lior began to build Eclipse – a venture capital firm dedicated to partnering with entrepreneurs rearchitecting the industries that are critical to people’s lives and national economies. He firmly believes that the distinction between technology and non-technology companies is over and seeks to partner with ambitious founders who are dedicated to vastly improving critical infrastructure in all forms.

And – perhaps as a nod to his roots in the kibbutz – in addition to his desire to drive exemplary returns to Eclipse’s Limited Partners, Lior seeks to invest in solutions that deliver greater opportunities for people and far better prospects for our planet.

Lior currently works with Bright Machines, Augury, Owlet, Forge, and other companies pursuing big ideas. As a board member, he has helped companies move from zero to one, and from pitch deck to public offering.
A relentless optimist with a passion for company building, Lior believes that the world needs a new economy – and wants to help the best entrepreneurs build it.

Gilman Louie has over 30 years of national security and investment experience. He served as an early CEO of In-Q-Tel—the pioneering technology investment firm funded by the CIA—from 1999-2006, as an expert to the Defense Innovation Board from 2016-2020, and as a Commissioner on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence from 2018-2021.

In addition to being a co-founder and partner at Alsop Louie Partners, he is also a co-founder and CEO of the America’s Frontier Fund. Gilman is currently the Chairman of the National Intelligence University and Chairman of the Federation of American Scientists. He serves on numerous commercial and advisory boards, including Maxar Technologies, Niantic, and Aerospike. He is a former member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, and of the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board, and has also served as a member of the Technology Advisory Group to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Gilman is the recipient of the CIA Agency Seal Medallion (2004), CIA Director’s Award (2006), Agency Seal Medallion (2006), and Director of National Intelligence Medallion (2008). Gilman received his B.S. in Business Administration from San Francisco State University where he graduated magna cum laude.

Ronald D. Sugar served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Northrop Grumman from 2003 until his retirement in 2010.

During his tenure, Northrop Grumman grew to become one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies, with 120,000 employees and $35B annual revenue.

Prior to joining Northrop Grumman in 2001, Sugar held senior operating, technical, and financial positions at TRW Inc. and Litton Industries.

He is currently Chairman of the Board of Uber Technologies, a director of Apple Inc., and was formerly lead director of Chevron Corporation and director of Amgen Inc. He also serves as senior advisor to the private investment firm Ares Management LLC and Bain & Company.

He is a trustee of the University of Southern California, where he also holds the Judge Widney Chair as Professor of Management and Technology, member of UCLA Anderson School of Management board of advisors, and director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

He is past chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and a fellow of both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Royal Aeronautical Society. He was appointed earlier by the President of the United States to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

He received BS (summa cum laude), MS, and PhD degrees in engineering from UCLA and was subsequently honored as UCLA Alumnus of the Year.

Will is a lifelong intern of disruptive new things. Though he’s old school at heart, his curiosity stays new tech focused. Digital transformation is his latest all-consuming passion. His superpower is his improbability drive. (Don’t ask where he got it.)

Seth is a Partner at Eclipse, where he backs founders building breakthrough companies redefining the industry. He began his career at GE, developing robotics, 3D printing, and IoT solutions—an experience that shaped his conviction in the transformative power technology can have on the physical world industries. Motivated by the belief that the most impactful companies of this new era were yet to be built, Seth joined Eclipse to help launch and scale businesses at the forefront of the Industrial Evolution. He focuses on early-stage investments in manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, high performance computing, and healthcare, partnering closely with entrepreneurs from the pre-product stage. Seth is a proud Claremont McKenna alum. He enjoys skiing, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Nick Doucette is the Vice President of Strategic Operations at Ursa Major, where he leads operational strategy and execution as the company scales the next generation of hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and space mobility systems. Since joining in 2016, he has helped build the foundation to deliver reliable, affordable, high-performance systems at speed.

Before Ursa Major, Doucette worked at SpaceX, leading manufacturing teams for Dragon capsule propulsion systems, Merlin and Raptor engine production, and additive manufacturing processes. That experience, leading vertically integrated teams, advanced production methods, streamlined operations, shaped his approach to scaling high-performance hardware organizations.

At Ursa Major, he applies that expertise to drive operational excellence, manufacturing innovation, and product scalability across the company’s portfolio.

Master of Business Administration (Finance), Indiana University Kelley School of Business

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Boston University