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 move 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 fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for similar hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously.
Responsibilities:
- Clean sheet design and analysis of spacecraft chemical propulsion components including tanks, valves, thrusters, and tooling
- Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations
- Collaborate with team members to write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of spacecraft components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
- Provide guidance on assembly and testing of first article prototypes
- Interface with suppliers to define product requirements and support delivery of hardware
- Technical mentor for less senior members of the team
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- 5+ years of relevant mechanical design and analysis experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
- Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
- Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA / FEM) using commercial codes (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, of NASTRAN-based solvers).
- Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
- Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements including SMC-S-016, and AIAA S-080
- Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
Desired Experience
- Demonstrated proficiency in design for manufacturing for traditional and additive methods
- Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems for spacecraft
- Experience with structural and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
- 3+ years of Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
- High Cycle Fatigue Analysis (HCF, crack initiation predicted by a stress-life / SN approach).
- Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis (LCF, crack initiation predicted by a strain-life / e-N approach).
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $95,000 - $155,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.
Classification: Full-time Exempt.
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.
Similar Jobs at Ursa Major
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute