Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems.
Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.
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
- 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
- Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
- 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 oxygen-rich staged combustion engine cycle
- 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
- Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- 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 $130,000 - $160,000, 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:
- 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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Equity Grants in the Company
Top Skills
Ursa Major Berthoud, Colorado, USA Office
Our one-of-a kind campus co-locates engineering, manufacturing, & testing operations, allowing for unmatched development time and the chance for employees, customers, and investors alike to experience rocket engine testing as a part of the normal work day.
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