Staff Systems Engineer – Safety & Reliability

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 is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer within the SMS Systems Engineering Team to creatively drive safety, reliability, and risk management solutions for our propulsion systems. This role is responsible for the safe design and operation of our rocket motors to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and safety. You will work cross-functionally with systems engineering, mission operations, design, test, manufacturing, and program teams to develop robust product safety strategies and ensure successful mission execution. You will also own the relationship between Ursa Major and DoD Safety Review Boards.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement mission assurance processes to ensure product reliability, safety, and performance

Own the Ursa Major relationship with branch specific Weapon Safety Boards and assist with authoring & presenting motor qualification plans & test reports for WSESRB, JSWRB, etc. approval

Own technical inputs to Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) & Final Hazard Classification (FHC) planning, execution and approval for motor shipments and fielding

Establish and maintain best practices for risk register management across different programs and products; present both internally and externally as required

Work with design and product teams to find creative and efficient solutions to engineering challenges that ultimately reduce product risk; develop system safety requirements for product design

Perform system-level failure assessments (Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Hazard Analysis (FHA), etc.) to inform system design and risk tracking

Establish plans for end-to-end product lifecycle, including but not limited to any required handling restrictions, demilitarization, and disposal

Assist with flight test range safe execution planning

Lead failure investigations

Perform reliability assessments for motor products

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related field

8+ years of experience in system safety, mission assurance, or systems engineering

Experience with solid rocket motors, ignition systems, propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or defense aerospace programs

Experience with risk analysis methods (FMEA, FHA, probabilistic risk assessment)

Experience with aerospace industry standards (MIL-STD-882, etc.)

Experience working with cross-functional teams, interfacing with internal/external customers

Demonstrated ability to break down complex problems, strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment

This position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance

Desired Experience

Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline

Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification

Hands-on experience with testing and validation of high-performance hardware

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $156,000 - $195,000, 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.