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.
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.
Our propulsion systems cannot function without sensors, actuators, controllers, and other electronic hardware functioning well together. As an Avionics Architect, you will lead the definition and delivery of avionics architectures for complex aerospace and defense systems, including propulsion systems, all-up-rounds, and flight hardware. This role is responsible for translating system-level requirements into robust avionics solutions spanning hardware, firmware, and embedded software.
The Avionics Architect operates as the technical authority at the program or platform level, guiding cross-functional teams through architecture definition, design trade studies, and interface definition. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, comfortable making critical technical decisions in high-reliability, schedule-driven environments.
Responsibilities:
- Own and define the end-to-end avionics architecture for one or more programs or platforms
- Translate mission, safety and regulatory requirements into flight and engine control, power, sensor, guidance, navigation, telemetry, actuator and communication architectures
- Define and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) and system diagrams
- Drive avionics designs through SRR, PDR and CDR
- Define fault tolerance, redundancy and FDIR strategies appropriate to mission risk
- Review and guide detailed design reviews from avionics hardware and software engineers
- Support integration, test and anomaly resolution at the system level
- Collaborate closely with Propulsion, GNC, Structures, Systems Engineering, Flight Sciences and Test teams
- Support supplier engagement, technical evaluation and make/buy decisions
Requirements:
- Demonstrated experience in delivering flight avionics for aircraft, launch vehicles, or other space applications.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field
- 10+ years of experience in avionics, embedded systems or aerospace electronics
- Demonstrated experience owning avionics architecture for flight hardware
- Strong understanding of embedded processors, FPGAs, power systems, sensors, actuators, data buses and communication interfaces
- Familiarity with aerospace and defense standards and qualification environments (e.g. DO-254/178, MIL-STD, NASA, etc.)
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts through diagrams, documentation and reviews
Desired Experience:
- Experience with propulsion systems, all-up-rounds and/or launch vehicles
- Spacecraft avionics experience, including radiation-tolerant design is a plus
- Hands-on experience with:
- FPGA-based systems and high-speed digital interfaces
- Redundant and fault-tolerant architectures
- Experience supporting hardware through environmental testing, qualification and flight tests
- Prior involvement in system-level integration and test
- Experience mentoring engineers or serving as a technical lead
- Familiarity with EMI/EMC, thermal and reliability considerations for flight electronics
- Experience with range safety requirements
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $140,000 - $175,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
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.
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
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.
