Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design, In-Space

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.

Ursa Major’s teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will serve as a central member of the team and take immediate ownership of fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer.  This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for similar hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously. 

Responsibilities: 

• Clean sheet design and analysis of spacecraft chemical propulsion components including tanks, valves, thrusters, and tooling

• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations

• Collaborate with team members to write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of spacecraft components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests

• Provide guidance on assembly and testing of first article prototypes

• Interface with suppliers to define product requirements and support delivery of hardware

• Technical mentor for less senior members of the team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering

• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design and analysis experience

• Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting

• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5

• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA / FEM) using commercial codes (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, of NASTRAN-based solvers).

• Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems

• Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements including SMC-S-016, and AIAA S-080

• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team

Desired Experience

• Demonstrated proficiency in design for manufacturing for traditional and additive methods

• Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems for spacecraft

• Experience with structural and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software

• 3+ years of Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software

• High Cycle Fatigue Analysis.

• Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $115,000 - $138,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

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.

US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.

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.