Summer 2026 Vehicle Intern, Draper

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.

Join us for a hands-on, full-time summer internship experience at our Berthoud, CO location!
Ursa Major’s Summer 2026 Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the aerospace and defense industry while contributing to meaningful, high-impact projects that support our mission and drive innovation in propulsion and advanced manufacturing.

As a Vehicle Intern, Draper you will contribute to the design, analysis, integration and test of a hypersonic vehicle. You will work within a small team as we develop hardware that pushes the limits of what is possible with respect to reliability and functionality to enable our engines to be best in class. You will need to be driven, detail oriented, and focused to support efforts to continually improve, and respond to quick development programs while guaranteeing the high performance and maintainability of our products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design hypersonic structures, liquid propulsion systems and propellant management devices, as well as tooling, fixtures and ground-support equipment.

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

• Develop vehicle manufacturing and systems integration workflows.

• Conduct subcomponent development and acceptance tests.

• Support and develop design tools.

• Work with team members to scope, study and define new and existing hardware features.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience in design and analysis of structures and components.

• Familiarity with ANSYS Mechanical.

• Good proficiency of incompressible and compressible fluid mechanics.

• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks).

• Understanding of manufacturing techniques, including machining and additive manufacturing.

• Ability to operate with cross-disciplinary teams and contribute to technical decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to liquid-propellant rocket engines and propulsion systems design.

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

• Programming experience with Python or Matlab/Simulink.

• Hands-on experience with hardware and design for manufacturing.

• Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements.

• Hands-on experience with hardware and design for manufacturing as part of engineering clubs such as Formula SAE, Rocketry, or Hyperloop.

• Genuine passion in the field of aerospace propulsion.

Program Details:

• Location: On-site at our Berthoud, CO facility

• Duration: Approximately 10–12 weeks

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday

• This is a paid internship

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $29.00/hour, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.  

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.