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.
As a Staff Materials & Process Engineer at Ursa Major, you are an advanced technical leader and recognized expert in your domain. You will independently lead and execute complex M&P projects and initiatives that span multiple teams or programs and serve as a primary authority for your specialty area. Staff Engineers are hands-on problem solvers, responsible for solving the most difficult technical challenges, refining specifications and standards, and enabling Ursa Major’s success through world-class technical execution. Transform high-level direction into optimized solutions and best practices within critical programs. You will deliver tangible results, mentor engineers at all levels, and ensure consistency and excellence across project boundaries.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver solutions for challenging materials and process engineering problems across multiple teams or product lines, ensuring reliable, manufacturable, and high-performance hardware.
- Develop, improve, and maintain material and process specifications, standards, and best practices, incorporating feedback from testing and production.
- Plan and oversee advanced laboratory work, material characterization, and failure investigations for new programs and root cause analyses.
- Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to deliver optimal material solutions from development through production.
- Mentor and train junior and senior engineers, leading peer reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to strengthen team technical capability.
- Identify areas for process improvement, cost savings, or risk mitigation and champion the execution of these improvements at the program or cross-team level.
- Support in driving cross-program initiatives and standards but act as primary technical decision maker within your domain or assigned programs.
- Lead materials & process failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and process course correction
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (Master’s preferred), with 8+ years of progressive materials/process engineering experience in the Aerospace industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in selection, characterization, and application of metals and alloy development/qualification
- Advanced proficiency in at least two relevant manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, joining, heat treatment, surface treatments, casting, forging, or brazing).
- Proven ability to independently lead complex projects or technical workstreams from concept through implementation, including authoring and maintaining specifications and qualification plans.
- Substantial experience conducting advanced material testing, failure analysis, and delivering data-driven recommendations for process improvements or issue resolution.
- Familiarity with aerospace and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, AMS, AWS, AS9100) and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication, technical writing, and team collaboration skills; demonstrated ability to mentor or train less-experienced engineers.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience supporting or leading materials efforts for propulsion systems, spaceflight hardware, or extreme environments.
- Hands-on expertise with additive manufacturing for metals and/or advanced joining methods (e.g., EB/TIG welding, brazing) including process qualification or supplier development.
- Background in defining allowables, supporting process or product qualification, or implementing new laboratory/test capabilities.
- Involvement in standards development, industry/working groups, or process audits.
- Successfully led cost reduction, quality improvement, or risk mitigation projects with measurable results across teams or programs.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $120,000 - $150,000, 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
- Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 8+ years of professional experience in aerospace or materials engineering roles
- Expertise in metallic materials and advanced manufacturing processes
- Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and material failure investigations in production environments
- Proficiency in material testing methods and aerospace materials standards
- Strong leadership and project management capabilities
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials outline comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short‑term disability coverage. Third‑party profiles also note mental health benefits and FSA availability.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Policies include unlimited PTO, paid holidays, and two company‑wide shutdown weeks in July and at year‑end. Paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave are explicitly offered.
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Retirement Support — Current materials state traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match. This signals strengthened retirement support relative to earlier practices.
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.
Gallery
Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
