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 Chief Engineer for Solid Rocket Motors serves as the senior technical authority shaping the long-term strategy, architecture and roadmap for advanced solid rocket systems. This role provides visionary technical leadership, ensuring the organization is positioned to deliver innovative, production-ready SRM solutions and to strengthen core technical capabilities across the portfolios.
Acting at the intersection of technology strategy, product direction, and cross‑functional engineering leadership, the Chief Engineer drives the maturation of SRM concepts, identifies and resolves area that require technical maturity and advancement, and guides internal research and development (IRAD) priorities to align with future mission and customer needs. This is a highly strategic, self‑directed position focused on full‑system technical oversight rather than component‑level design.
Responsibilities:
- Establish and guide long-term technical direction for SRM products, including defining architecture, technology investments and IRAD strategy.
- Provide strategic leadership, mentorship and direction for a multidisciplinary technical team ensuring alignment with product strategy and technical standards
- Direct the development and strategic planning of technology development for SRM test infrastructure, test methodologies, and safety frameworks needed to support development and qualification.
- Partner with Supply Chain and Materials to develop and mature SRM hardware, materials, and chemical supplier networks to support prototype and production demand.
- Collaborate with the SRM growth team to support discussions with prospective customers; support responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) and technical information requests to ensure that proposals align with our technical roadmap.
- Conduct high‑level technical analyses to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities across SRM systems; ensure root‑cause understanding and resolution of critical technical issues.
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
- 15+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated proficiency in Solid Rocket Motor design or analysis
- Relevant experience developing and executing SRM test plans
- Strong Understanding of SRM industry standards and requirements.
- Experience leading design reviews to communicate design decisions and trades
- Desire to take ownership and build a new product architecture
Desired Experience:
- Experience in ballistic modeling, nozzle analysis
- Some skill related to ignition systems design
- Security clearance
- Experience leading technical teams of engineers
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $170,000 - $235,000, 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 degree in Engineering
- 15+ years relevant experience in Solid Rocket Motor design or analysis
- Experience developing and executing SRM test plans
- Strong understanding of SRM industry standards and requirements
- Experience leading design reviews to communicate design decisions and trades
- Desire to take ownership and build a new product architecture
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
- Experience in ballistic modeling
- Experience in nozzle analysis
- Ignition systems design experience
- Security clearance (active)
- Experience leading technical teams of engineers
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — The package includes unlimited PTO spanning vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement time, plus two company‑wide weeklong breaks around July 4 and year‑end. These elements indicate structured downtime beyond standard holiday calendars.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision alongside HSA/FSA, employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability, basic life, AD&D, and an EAP. The combination emphasizes both core medical care and income protection.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match is advertised together with equity grants/stock options. This pairing supports long‑term savings while offering ownership participation.
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.
