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 Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) team is growing, and we are seeking a Structural and Thermal Analysis Engineer II to support the design, analysis, and validation of advanced solid propulsion systems.
As a Structural and Thermal Analysis Engineer II, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural and thermal analyses 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.
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, Thermal Desktop).
- 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.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in structural and thermal analysis of aerospace components.
- Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal modeling tools.
- 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
- Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fatigue, fracture, or structural dynamics.
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
- Knowledge of composite materials, insulation, and ablative thermal protection systems.
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
- Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications.
- 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.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $91,000 - $115,000, 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.
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.
