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 currently hiring for a Senior Materials Engineer (TPS) to enhance and support the creation of next generation thermal protection systems in solid rocket motors. Aerospace systems experience corrosive combustion, high temperatures and pressures, and intense mechanical stress. Material selection for each components strength, chemical compatibility, and bonding capability is absolutely essential to withstand the extreme environment. An experienced materials engineer is needed to design and conduct simulated experiments, as well as, analyze used system components to provide feedback to system design teams.
This individual is required to collect, document, and analyze materials data to provide current and next generation system solutions. Collaboration across interdisciplinary teams is a must to make full use of the data obtained. Compliance with safety standards must also be upheld by any individual. Rigorous standard operating procedures and safety compliance must be followed as a basis for any and all experimentation.
Key Qualifications:
- BS in materials engineering and ~5 years' experience/ preferred master's degree.
- Knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, metallurgy or relatable discipline.
- Comfortable in a laboratory setting, running laboratory equipment.
- Previous experience with elastomeric compounds, ceramic, ablative composite, and graphite materials.
- Comfortable with hazardous materials and materials handling.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
Key Responsibilities:
- Support material sourcing, selection for the thermal protection system in SRM systems.
- Support, develop, and analyze thermal models for TPS design evaluations based on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles.
- Conduct laboratory scale experiments in a simulated environment to validate materials selection and design.
- Define bonding and mechanical properties for integration of materials into SRM systems.
- Support design development and build configuration through manufacturing validation, for process improvement.
- Drive current fabrication for thermal protection systems and further adapt the technology to drive next generation projects.
- Collaborate with team members of all levels to establish system requirements, accomplish integration goals and manufacturing development.
- Document processes in detail and write work instructions for further development.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $115,000 - $136,000, 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
- BS in Materials Engineering
- Approximately 5 years of relevant experience
- Master's degree
- Knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, and metallurgy
- Comfortable running laboratory equipment and working in a laboratory setting
- Experience with elastomeric compounds, ceramic, ablative composite, and graphite materials
- Comfortable handling hazardous materials and materials handling procedures
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is characterized by unlimited PTO covering vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement, augmented by paid parental/adoptive leave and two company‑wide weeklong breaks. Company materials and third‑party benefits pages consistently highlight this breadth as a standout element.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans plus employer‑paid short‑term disability, life insurance, and AD&D, with EAP and HSA/FSA noted on some postings. External benefits snapshots point to strong perceived coverage quality.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Ownership is offered through stock options/equity grants alongside competitive pay. Third‑party employer listings repeatedly include equity as part of the standard package, signaling broad accessibility.
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.
