Senior Propulsion Engineer

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. 

Ursa Major’s teams move fast while applying appropriate rigor in developing world class industry leading products.  We accelerate your career and provide an environment where you can see the results of your efforts two to three times faster than traditional companies. 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:

• Own the execution of the entire development, successful test campaign, and integration with customer vehicle for liquid rocket engine systems on schedule and within budget. 


• Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives


• Ensure work instructions are written, reviewed and updated for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests


• Lead the engineering team through Liquid rocket engine system design and analysis, including performance predictions and packaging to meet requirements


• Enable and own the clean sheet design and system integration of engine components


• Take lead in defining and driving engine and component test campaigns.  Define key objectives and outcomes then lead and support the team in reaching them


• Work intimately with operations, test, and supply chain before initial engine builds and during the first development validation, qualification, and customer deliverable units to ensure producibility, design to cost, testability, and performance repeatability targets are all achieved. 


• Work closely with interfacing teams and customers to ensure successful integration of designs into the target customer system and lead all top level design reviews. 


• Own risk mitigation during development, test readiness and flight readiness review processes with the rigor that supports Ursa Major’s highly successful record of performance.

 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


• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

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 closed cycle rocket engines


• 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


• Active Secret Clearance 

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $125,000 - $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. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt