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 is seeking a Chief Engineer of Hypersonics Integration & Technology to spearhead the development of cutting-edge hypersonic vehicles using Ursa Major propulsion. This individual will be responsible for leading the conceptualization of hypersonic vehicles, ensuring a balance between performance and mission success with affordability and manufacturing at scale. This role requires deep technical expertise in hypersonic systems, sensors, mission profiles and the ability to drive innovative solutions in cross functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
The Chief Engineer will be assigned to the Vehicle Systems Integrated Product Team (IPT) to help shape the technical direction of the team, shape current and future technology development to the needs of our Government military customers. This position will be based out of Berthoud CO or can be based near one of the relevant military Hypersonic centers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the overall design and development of a hypersonic vehicle from concept to prototype.
- Interface with technical, acquisition, and end user government offices, to stay current with competing technologies, influence customer requirements, and ensure Ursa Major’s technology and Hypersonic offerings are competitive and in strategic alignment with the services and DoD. Be a recognized Hypersonic technology expert across the industry, the Government, and internally.
- Propose and evaluate novel concepts for solving existing program problems as well as business development avenues.
- Collaborate with aerodynamics, materials, propulsion, guidance, seeker, and warhead teams to optimize solutions our war fighters need and the requirement sets of each acquisition program.
- Support design reviews, analysis, and validation of vehicle systems.
- Serve as a judge of technical readiness to proceed throughout the program lifecycle, including milestone design reviews.
- Support business development, the selection of key partners and technology for programs, and be accountable for developing the best solutions to achieve program goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 15+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle design, with a strong background in government Hypersonics programs.
- Experience working with aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion teams as well as the integration of sensors, avionics, and warheads and the trade-offs that create the winning designs the warfighters need.
- Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary design teams.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment while having the executive presence, credibility, and skills to influence senior executives and military leaders.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with rapid prototyping and flight testing of high-speed vehicles.
- Familiarity and relationships with 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 $175,000 - $230,000, 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
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 - 401k with Company Match
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 15+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle design
- Experience working with aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion teams as well as integration of sensors, avionics, and warheads
- Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary design teams
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials outline comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short‑term disability coverage. Third‑party profiles also note mental health benefits and FSA availability.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Policies include unlimited PTO, paid holidays, and two company‑wide shutdown weeks in July and at year‑end. Paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave are explicitly offered.
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Retirement Support — Current materials state traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match. This signals strengthened retirement support relative to earlier practices.
Ursa Major Insights
What We Do
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.
Why Work With Us
We believe that each unique team member fuels the creativity necessary to build the world’s best propulsion systems. This is realized as a deeply held commitment to celebrating individuality, hiring talent across all backgrounds and experiences, building a culture of inclusion, and constantly challenging ourselves to improve.
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Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
