Senior Structural Analyst, Propellant Grain

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.

Role Overview

As a Senior Grain Structural Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural analysis of solid propellant grain and related components to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs. We are looking for experienced analysts who bring new skills and best practices from their prior experience to Ursa and who in time will mentor employees as the team grows.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct finite element analysis of propellant grain to determine stress and strain state under structural, thermal and pressure loads

Perform coupled thermal-stress analyses to assess material response under extreme conditions

Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry

Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN)

Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results

Work with engineering teams to develop company-wide processes, models, and tools that meet requirements and comply with structural standards

Collaborate with cross-functional team to characterize behavior of propellant and insulation (mechanical, aging, thermal cycling, manufacturing variability)

Work with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and support process optimization

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders

Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives

Mentor and coach analysis engineers, helping to build organizational capability in structural analysis, multi‑physics analysis, and engineering best practices

Required Qualifications

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

4+ years of experience in structural analysis of aerospace components

Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial codes

Experience in thermal-structural static analysis

Understanding of material properties, both linear and non-linear, including elastic, plastic, and hyper-elastic behavior

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment

Preferred Qualifications

S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics

Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, and high-temperature materials

Knowledge of viscoelastic materials

Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation

Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications and dynamic analysis experience

Fracture analysis experience (crack growth/safe-life and assessing for instability via LEFM)

Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis (LCF, crack initiation predicted by a strain-life approach)

Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite

Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments

A track record of effective oral and written communications to support recommendations

Experience supporting failure investigations and root-cause analysis

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $122,000 - $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.