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.
We are seeking a Staff Nozzle Design Engineer with specialized expertise in Thrust Vector Control (TVC) and moveable nozzle solutions to join our propulsion engineering team. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design, kinematic analysis, integration, and testing of advanced vectoring nozzle assemblies for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) applications.
You will act as the technical lead for complex TVC mechanisms, managing everything from internal aerodynamic throat profiles and structural components to electromechanical actuation loops. The ideal candidate has deep hands-on experience with diverse moveable nozzle architectures and a proven track record of bringing vectoring propulsion systems through static and flight testing.
Primary Responsibilities
- Moveable Nozzle Design: Architect and design advanced moveable nozzle configurations for SRMs, applying deep expertise in flexseal (flexible bearing), trapped ball, and split-line structural joints.
- TVC Component Integration: Lead the selection, integration, and structural mounting of high-performance Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) and feedback sensors, specifically Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) and string pots.
- Kinematic & Structural Analysis: Perform kinematic, clearance, vectoring envelope analyses, and duty cycle modeling. Optimize structural components (housing, exit cones, throat supports) for high-pressure, high-thermal, and dynamic structural environments.
- Material Selection: Select and specify advanced materials for high-temperature environments, including carbon-phenolics, refractory metals, structural composites, and elastomeric compounds for flexible joints.
- Test & Verification: Author and execute test plans for TVC subsystems. Lead bench-level actuation and acceptance testing, structural proof tests, and vectoring profiles during rocket motor static tests.
- Supplier & Customer Interface: Manage technical requirements with EMA/LVDT sub-tier suppliers. Present design maturity, risk assessments, and test data at major milestones (PDR, CDR, MRR) to leadership and military stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
- Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of experience in rocket propulsion design, with at least 4 years dedicated specifically to moveable nozzle or TVC system design.
- Technical Depth: Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing at least two of the following: flexseal/flexible bearings, trapped ball joints, or split-line nozzle architectures.
- Security: Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret Clearance.
- Direct experience correlating flight/test telemetry data with pre-test kinematic and structural models.
- Strong familiarity with TVC nozzle bench testing, non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods for carbon-phenolic layups and elastomeric flexible bearings.
- Proficiency with advanced CAD tools (e.g., Creo, NX) and finite element analysis (FEA) software for thermal-structural coupled analysis (e.g., ANSYS).
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $143,360 - $179,200, 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 STEM discipline
- At least 7 years of experience in rocket propulsion design
- At least 4 years dedicated specifically to movable nozzle or thrust vector control system design
- Experience designing and analyzing at least two of flexseal or flexible bearings, trapped ball joints, or split-line nozzle architectures
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person, including permanent residents
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret Clearance
- Experience correlating flight or test telemetry with pre-test kinematic and structural models
- Familiarity with TVC nozzle bench testing and non-destructive inspection methods for carbon-phenolic layups and elastomeric flexible bearings
- Proficiency with Creo or NX and FEA software such as ANSYS for coupled thermal-structural analysis
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is characterized by unlimited PTO covering vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement, augmented by paid parental/adoptive leave and two company‑wide weeklong breaks. Company materials and third‑party benefits pages consistently highlight this breadth as a standout element.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans plus employer‑paid short‑term disability, life insurance, and AD&D, with EAP and HSA/FSA noted on some postings. External benefits snapshots point to strong perceived coverage quality.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Ownership is offered through stock options/equity grants alongside competitive pay. Third‑party employer listings repeatedly include equity as part of the standard package, signaling broad accessibility.
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.
