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.
Position overview: Ursa Major is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer within Mission Assurance to drive quality, reliability, and risk management in our propulsion systems. This role blends systems engineering and mission assurance to ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance and safety. You will work cross-functionally with design, test, manufacturing, and program teams to develop robust risk mitigation strategies and ensure successful mission execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement mission assurance processes to ensure product reliability and performance.
- Work directly with customer-facing operations teams to execute successful and safe test or flight campaigns
- Establish and maintain best practices for risk register management across different product lines.
- Work with design and product teams to find creative and efficient solutions to engineering challenges that ultimately reduce product risk.
- Support system-level risk analysis and mitigation; own and carry to closure system-level risks
- Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for product failures and quality issues.
- Work closely with test teams to evaluate performance and reliability data, as well as compliance and enforcement of Test Like You Fly philosophy.
- Perform system-level trade studies and analyses (ex. Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), building fluid systems models) to develop system architecture concepts, with engine leads.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 4-8+ years of experience in mission assurance, systems engineering or propulsion.
- Experience with propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or defense aerospace programs.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification.
- Experience with risk analysis methods (FMEA, FHA, probabilistic risk assessment).
- Familiarity with aerospace industry standards (AS9100, NASA, MIL-STD, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with testing and validation of high-performance hardware.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $130,000- $160,000, 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 clicking the “Apply Now” link at the top of the page. Usra Major will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed.
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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.





