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.
The Senior/Staff Vehicle Structures Engineer is responsible for design, analysis, and integration of the primary and secondary structure for a cutting-edge hypersonic vehicle. This individual will be part of the technical organization, responsible for structural design, material selection, and ensuring airframe components meet extreme aerodynamic and thermal loads. This role will have ownership of vehicle hardware through the full lifecycle development from concept through flight testing.
Responsibilities
- Own the structural design and development of a hypersonic airframe components, including primary and secondary load-bearing structures.
- Assess structural load paths and materials to withstand high-speed flight environments.
- Support detailed structural analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and impact loading.
- Drive integration of composites, metals, and thermal protection systems for optimal vehicle performance.
- Collaborate with interfacing teams to ensure seamless hardware integration.
- Assemble and test first article prototypes.
- Execute structural test campaigns, including static, dynamic, and flight tests.
- Interface with contractors, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and production readiness.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 6-8+ years of experience in structural design and analysis for high-speed vehicles, aerospace platforms, or launch systems.
- Deep knowledge in composite structures, metallic airframes, and advanced materials.
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) for structural design.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques, including composites layup, machining, and additive manufacturing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with hypersonic vehicles, reentry systems, or high-Mach flight platforms.
- Knowledge of thermal protection systems and integrated aerothermal-structural design.
- Proficiency in FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN for structural analysis.
- Hands-on experience with flight testing and structural validation.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $130,000- $170,000, 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.
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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Equity Grants in the Company
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.
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
