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 is seeking a Vehicle Design Lead to spearhead the development of a cutting-edge hypersonic vehicle. This individual will be responsible for leading the conceptualization, design, and integration of all vehicle subsystems, ensuring a balance between performance, manufacturability, and mission success. This role requires deep technical expertise in hypersonic systems, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the overall design and development of a hypersonic vehicle from concept to prototype.
- Define vehicle-level requirements, architecture, and performance trade-offs.
- Oversee the integration of propulsion, thermal protection, aerodynamics, structures, and avionics.
- Collaborate with aerodynamics, materials, propulsion, and guidance teams to ensure cohesive system performance.
- Conduct design reviews, analysis, and validation of vehicle systems.
- Drive system-level optimization for weight, cost, and manufacturability.
- Interface with government and commercial customers, ensuring technical alignment and program execution.
- Support fabrication, testing, and flight demonstration efforts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle design, with a strong background in hypersonics preferred.
- Expertise in aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, composite structures, or propulsion integration.
- Proficiency in CAD, CFD, FEM, and other relevant simulation tools.
- Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary design teams.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with rapid prototyping and flight testing of high-speed vehicles.
- Familiarity with government hypersonics programs and DoD customers.
- Knowledge of manufacturing and materials for extreme environments.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $140,000- $180,000, 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:
- 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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