Chief Engineer, Hypersonics Integration & Technology

Ursa Major; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental and adoptive leave

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan – 401(k) with company match

Equity grants in the company

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a Chief Engineer of Hypersonics Integration & Technology in Fort Collins, Colorado. This position will lead the design and development of advanced hypersonic vehicles, ensuring mission success, performance, and affordability.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with over 15 years of experience in aerospace vehicle design, particularly in government hypersonics programs. Attractive benefits package and competitive salary range of $175,000 – $230,000 offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle design with a background in government hypersonics programs.
• Experience with aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and sensor integration.
• Ability to influence senior executives and military leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of hypersonic vehicle from concept to prototype.
• Collaborate with various teams to optimize solutions.
• Support business development and select key partners for programs.

Skills

Technical expertise in hypersonic systems

Leadership in multidisciplinary design teams

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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.

Ursa Major is seeking a Chief Engineer of Hypersonics Integration & Technology to spearhead the development of cutting‑edge hypersonic vehicles using Ursa Major propulsion. This individual will lead the conceptualization of hypersonic vehicles, ensuring a balance between performance and mission success, affordability, and manufacturing at scale. The role requires deep technical expertise in hypersonic systems, sensors, mission profiles, and the ability to drive innovative solutions in cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.

The Chief Engineer will be assigned to the Vehicle Systems Integrated Product Team (IPT) to shape the technical direction of the team and future technology development to meet our government‑military customers’ needs. This position will be based out of Berthoud, CO, or near a relevant military hypersonic center.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design and development of a hypersonic vehicle from concept to prototype.
• Interface with technical, acquisition, and end‑user government offices to stay current with competing technologies, influence customer requirements, and ensure Ursa Major’s offerings are competitive and strategically aligned with the services and DoD.
• Propose and evaluate novel concepts for solving existing program problems and business‑development opportunities.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, materials, propulsion, guidance, seeker, and warhead teams to optimize solutions that meet warfighter needs and acquisition program requirements.
• Support design reviews, analysis, and validation of vehicle systems.
• Serve as a judge of technical readiness throughout the program lifecycle, including milestone design reviews.
• Support business development, select key partners and technology for programs, and be accountable for developing the best solutions to achieve program goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle design, with a strong background in government hypersonics programs.
• Experience working with aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and integration of sensors, avionics, and warheads, including the trade‑offs that create winning designs for warfighters.
• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary design teams.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on development environment while possessing executive presence, credibility, and skills to influence senior executives and military leaders.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rapid prototyping and flight testing of high‑speed vehicles.
• Familiarity and relationships with DoD customers.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and materials for extreme environments.

Colorado law requires us to disclose the base compensation range for this role: $175,000 – $230,000, determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Classification: Full‑time Exempt

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO – vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement
• Paid parental and adoptive leave
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Tax‑advantaged 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 – 401(k) with company match
• Equity grants in the company

US citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylum status is required.

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self‑select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100 % of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they possess the necessary skills to succeed to apply.

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.