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.
Role Overview
As a Senior Thermal/Ablation Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity thermal analyses to ensure the performance and reliability of our products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct thermal modeling and analysis for components and systems under extreme operating conditions.
- Perform transient and steady-state thermal analyses to evaluate heat transfer, thermal gradients, and material response.
- Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ITRAC).
- Assess insulation performance, ablative material behavior, and thermal protection system effectiveness utilizing analytical tools and hands-on inspection methods.
- Correlate analytical predictions with test data and refine models accordingly.
- Work with design and manufacturing teams to optimize thermal performance and ensure feasibility.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 4+ years of experience in thermal 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.
- Proficiency in finite element and computational thermal analysis tools.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermal expansion, and high-temperature material behavior.
- 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 in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Experience with CFD, FEA, or other multidisciplinary analysis
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
- Knowledge of ablative materials, insulation systems, and thermal protection systems.
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
- Experience testing and evaluating materials for use in engineering applications
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $128,000 - $160,000, 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 a related field
- 4+ years of experience in thermal analysis of aerospace components
- Proficiency in finite element and computational thermal analysis tools
- Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermal expansion, and high-temperature material behavior
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
- Experience with CFD, FEA, or other multidisciplinary analysis
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials
- Knowledge of ablative materials, insulation systems, and thermal protection systems
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation
- Experience testing and evaluating materials for engineering applications
- Must be a U.S. Person, including U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
- 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 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.
