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.
As a Staff Structural Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs. We are looking for experienced analysts who bring new skills and best practices from their prior experience to Ursa and who in time will mentor employees as the team grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity, thermal performance, and dynamic behavior of solid rocket motor components
- Perform coupled thermal-stress analyses to assess material response under extreme conditions
- Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry, material selection, and thermal protection systems
- Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN)
- Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results
- Collaborate with engineering teams to develop company-wide processes, models, and tools that meet requirements and comply with structural standards
- Collaborate with the manufacturing team to assess nonconforming hardware for development and flight components and provide recommended dispositions and repairs
- Work with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and support process optimization
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
- Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Mentor and coach analysis engineers, helping to build organizational capability in structural analysis, multi‑physics analysis, and engineering best practices
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in structural analysis of aerospace components
- Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial codes
- Experience in thermal-structural static analysis
- Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, and high-temperature structural 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
- M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, and high-temperature materials
- Knowledge of composite materials, insulation, ablative thermal protection systems, and viscoelastic materials
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation
- Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications and dynamic analysis experience
- Fracture analysis experience (crack growth/safe-life and assessing for instability via LEFM)
- Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis (LCF, crack initiation predicted by a strain-life approach)
- Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite
- Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments
- A track record of effective oral and written communications to support recommendations
- Experience supporting failure investigations and root-cause analysis
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. 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
- 8+ years of experience in structural analysis of aerospace components
- Proficiency in finite element analysis using commercial codes
- Experience in thermal-structural static analysis
- Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, and high-temperature structural behavior
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment
- M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focused on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, and high-temperature materials
- Knowledge of composite materials, insulation, ablative thermal protection systems, and viscoelastic materials
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation
- Experience in loads development for vehicle or motor applications and dynamic analysis
- Fracture analysis experience, including crack growth, safe-life, and LEFM instability assessment
- Low Cycle Fatigue analysis experience using a strain-life approach
- Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite
- Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Experience supporting failure investigations and root-cause analysis
- 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Gallery
Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
