Senior Propulsion Engineer, Combustion Devices

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 moves 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 rocket engine design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet system design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for engine hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design.

Responsibilities:

Liquid rocket engine system design and analysis, including performance predictions and packaging to meet requirements

Clean sheet design and system integration of engine components

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

Mentor other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs

Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives

Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests

Assemble and test first article prototypes

Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience

Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis

Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting

Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5

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

Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards and requirements

Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team

Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting

Desired Experience

Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Prior track record leading technical teams

Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing

Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)

Familiarity with closed cycle rocket engines

Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations

Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements

Experience with structural, fluids, and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software

5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software

Component testing and validation experience in both low and high energy states

Direct experience with flight qualification and flight support

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $121,000 - $152,000, 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

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.