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.
Ursa Major’s teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will support our fluid and mechanical system design efforts as part of our In-Space Propulsion team. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet designs of a variety of propulsion hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple components, system architectures, and missions ranging from LEO to GEO and beyond.
Responsibilities:
- Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical components for spacecraft propulsion, including tanks, valves, feed systems.
- 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 system and test objectives
- Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of propulsion system and components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
- Assemble and test first article prototypes
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- 2+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
- 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 industry standards and requirements
- Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
- Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope.
Desired Experience:
- Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
- Prior track record leading technical teams
- Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
- Spacecraft propulsion system design, test, or analysis
- Familiarity with hypergolic and other storable propellants
- Experience with structural and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
- Experience with magnetic design, actuators, or solenoids
- 1+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $120,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.
Classification: Full-time Exempt.
Benefits Include:
- 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
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.
We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited PTO combined with company‑wide holiday closures (around July 4 and year‑end) creates meaningful, predictable downtime. These practices stand out for hardware‑centric teams that typically face on‑site demands.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is highlighted alongside mental health support and tax‑advantaged accounts. Employer‑paid disability and life/AD&D further strengthen the core health and protection package.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave, family medical leave, and onsite facilities signal a family‑supportive approach. Company‑sponsored family events and resources enhance the overall support environment.
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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
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Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
