Fluids Analyst II

Ursa Major; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 89,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

EAP program

Job summary

Ursa Major, founded to revolutionize propulsion access for the U.S. and allies, seeks a fluids analyst for solid rocket motors. You will apply hand calculations and CFD to predict fluid behavior across SRM components and build 1D models for steady-state and transient analysis.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng and 2+ years in fluids analysis, with CFD using ANSYS Fluent/CFX or StarCCM+. You’ll contribute to design reviews, data correlation, and mentoring in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng; required for role.
• 2+ years of fluids analysis experience in aerospace components.
• CFD experience with commercial codes (ANSYS Fluent/CFX preferred).
• Solid grounding in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs, and test data.
• Strong problem-solving in a fast-paced dev environment.

Responsibilities

• Use hand calculations plus CFD to predict SRM fluid behavior.
• Build 1D steady-state and transient models of SRM fluids.
• Identify design improvements and collaborate with teams.
• Evaluate test data and correlate with models.
• Participate in design reviews and root-cause investigations.
• Prepare technical reports for internal/external stakeholders.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical leadership.

Skills

Fluids analysis

CFD

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Problem solving

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS Fluent/CFX

StarCCM+

NX CAD

Python

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Use hand calculations in addition to steady and transient CFD to predict fluid behavior throughout the SRM and its components.
• Build steady-state and transient 1D models of our SRM’s fluid behavior.
• Identify potential design improvements and collaborate with other engineering teams to develop our products while ensuring they meet our system-level requirements.
• Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results.
• Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide continuous improvement, professional development, mentorship, and technical guidance to peers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in fluids analysis of aerospace components.
• Note: Ursa Major is considering candidates for this position at multiple levels. Based on your experience, we may be able to adjust the level of the role along with the associated compensation range accordingly.
• Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using commercial codes (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred, but knowledge of StarCCM+ or similar tools is welcome).
• Demonstrated experience in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• 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 related field.
• Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
• Background in thermal analysis of high-temperature aerospace components.
• Experience with modeling of two-phase compressible flows.
• Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
• Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite, basic experience with 3D CAD software (NX is ideal), programming experience (Python ideal, but MATLAB or other high-level languages acceptable).

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $89,000 - $112,000, 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

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 have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.