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 seeking a Senior Systems Engineer within the SMS Systems & Mission Team to creatively drive safety, reliability, and risk management solutions for our propulsion systems. This role is responsible for the safe design and operation of our fielded rocket motors to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and safety. You will work cross-functionally with systems engineering, mission operations, design, test, manufacturing, and program teams to develop robust product safety strategies and ensure successful mission execution. You will also own the relationship between Ursa Major and DoD Safety Review Boards.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement mission assurance processes to ensure product reliability, safety, and performance
- Own the Ursa Major relationship with branch specific Weapon Safety Boards and assist with authoring & presenting motor qualification plans & test reports for WSESRB, JSWRB, etc. approval
- Own technical inputs to Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) & Final Hazard Classification (FHC) planning, execution and approval for motor shipments and fielding
- Establish and maintain best practices for risk register management across different programs and products; present both internally and externally as required
- Work with design and product teams to find creative and efficient solutions to engineering challenges that ultimately reduce product risk; develop system safety requirements for product design
- Perform system-level failure assessments (Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Hazard Analysis (FHA), etc.) to inform system design and risk tracking
- Establish plans for end-to-end product lifecycle, including but not limited to any required handling restrictions, demilitarization, and disposal
- Assist with flight test range safe execution planning
- Lead failure investigations
- Perform reliability assessments for motor products
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related field
- 4+ years of experience in system safety, mission assurance, or systems engineering
- Experience with solid rocket motors, ignition systems, propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or defense aerospace programs
- Experience with risk analysis methods (FMEA, FHA, probabilistic risk assessment)
- Familiarity with aerospace industry standards (MIL-STD-882, etc.)
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, interfacing with internal/external customers
- Demonstrated ability to break down complex problems, strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment
- This position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance
Desired Experience
- Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline
- Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification
- 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 - $163,000, 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, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- 4+ years of experience in system safety, mission assurance, or systems engineering
- Experience with solid rocket motors, ignition systems, propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or defense aerospace programs
- Experience with FMEA, FHA, and probabilistic risk assessment
- Familiarity with aerospace industry standards such as MIL-STD-882
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and internal or external customers
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline
- Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification
- Hands-on experience testing and validating high-performance hardware
- Must be a U.S. Person, including U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
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.
