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.
Our Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) team is growing, and we are seeking a Senior Fluids Analyst to support the design, analysis, and validation of advanced solid propulsion systems.
Role Overview
As a Senior Fluids Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity fluids analyses to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs. Our ideal candidate is one proficient in both CFD as well as steady-state and transient 1D (lumped parameter) fluid modeling. You will be exposed to all systems across our SRM products and the unique challenges each component presents.
Key Responsibilities
- Use hand calculations and steady CFD to predict fluid behavior throughout the SRM and its components.
- Build steady-state and transient 1D models of our SRM’s fluid behavior.
- Identify potential design improvements and collaborate with other engineering teams to develop our products while ensuring they meet our system-level requirements.
- Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results.
- Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide continuous improvement, professional development, mentorship, and technical guidance to peers.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in fluids analysis of aerospace components.
- Note: Ursa Major is considering candidates for this position at multiple levels. Based on your experience, we may be able to adjust the level of the role along with the associated compensation range accordingly.
- Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using commercial codes (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred, but knowledge of StarCCM+ or similar tools is welcome).
- Demonstrated experience in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
- Experience with modeling of two-phase compressible flows.
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
- Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite, basic experience with 3D CAD software (NX is ideal), programming experience (Python ideal, but MATLAB or other high-level languages acceptable).
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $112,000 - $140,000, 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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in fluids analysis of aerospace components.
- Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using commercial codes (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred; StarCCM+ or similar acceptable).
- Proficiency with steady-state and transient 1D (lumped parameter) fluid modeling.
- Demonstrated experience in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident).
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
- Master's degree or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field.
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
- Experience modeling two-phase compressible flows.
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
- Experience with ANSYS FEA suite and basic 3D CAD (NX ideal).
- Programming experience (Python preferred; MATLAB or other high-level languages acceptable).
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.
