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’s teams moves fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast-learning individual who will serve as a central member of the team and take immediate ownership of rocket engine design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet system design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for engine hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design.
Responsibilities:
- Liquid rocket engine system design and analysis, including performance predictions and packaging to meet requirements
- Clean sheet design and system integration of engine components
- Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability, or resolve limitations
- Mentor other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs
- Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives
- Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
- Assemble and test first article prototypes
- Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
- Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
- Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
- Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
- Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
- Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards and requirements
- Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
- Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting
Desired Experience
- Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- Prior track record leading technical teams
- Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
- Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
- Familiarity with closed cycle rocket engines
- Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
- Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
- Experience with structural, fluids, and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
- 5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
- Component testing and validation experience in both low and high energy states
- Direct experience with flight qualification and flight support
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $121,000 - $152,000, 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
- 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
- Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
- Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
- Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
- Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
- Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards and requirements
- Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
- Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and priorities
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
- Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- Prior track record leading technical teams
- Design for additive manufacturing proficiency
- Proficiency with manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
- Familiarity with closed cycle rocket engines
- Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
- Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
- Structural, fluids, and thermal analysis experience using Ansys FEA
- 5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD and Windchill PLM experience
- Component testing and validation experience in low and high energy states
- Direct experience with flight qualification and flight support
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is structured with an unlimited PTO policy plus two companywide paid breaks (mid‑summer and year‑end), creating predictable downtime alongside flexibility. Company holidays and shutdowns are consistently highlighted across employer materials and third‑party profiles.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short‑term disability, with mental‑health resources also noted. These elements appear on the company’s careers page and are echoed by external listings.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave are emphasized, alongside family supports such as an onsite Mother’s Room and company‑sponsored family events. External profiles characterize the parental offering as generous.
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.
