Lead Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer

Socket.dev; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 106,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer to design, test, and optimize custom fluid test systems for propulsion manufacturing. You’ll work with technicians, operators, and multiple engineering teams to deliver robust, safe, and efficient solutions.

The role emphasizes hands‑on build support, P&ID development, and thorough documentation while managing system life cycles from concept through production, in a fast‑paced environment with strict safety standards.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field; suitable experience may substitute.
• Experience designing automated hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• CAD expertise with GD&T and familiarity with piping codes (NFPA/NEC/ASME).
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of fluid test systems and instrumentation layouts.
• Develop P&ID drawings in collaboration with I&C engineers.
• Perform flow, pressure, safety factor and life calculations; apply FEA as needed.
• Create documentation, drawings, assembly instructions for production.
• Provide hands-on build support and on-floor commissioning with teams.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on troubleshooting

Fluid systems knowledge

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS (FEA)

P&ID software

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.

We are seeking a Lead Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design, implementation, and maintenance of custom automated fluid test systems for Ursa Major’s propulsion manufacturing facilities. You will be highly collaborative with Technicians and Operators, Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Controls, and Design Engineers.

This role will focus on developing fluid systems that enable safe, robust, and efficient propulsion manufacturing with a focus on operator usability. You will lead fluid system design including P&ID, flow calculations, packaging, and tube routing in CAD. The scope of designs will vary from ultra-low flow bench-top to more than 1000GPM functional qualification of propulsion elements. You will be responsible for designs that use vacuum and high‑pressure fluids such as nitrogen, water, kerosene, cryogenics, and more.

Responsibilities:

• Lead mechanical design with a focus on fluid systems and instrumentation layout, plus structural framing and interface panel design
• Collect requirements from test engineers and product designers
• Draft system P&ID in collaboration with I&C engineers
• Perform system analysis including flow, pressure, safety factor and expected life using hand calculations and FEA where required
• Host design review sessions with Technicians, Operators, and Engineering to generate buy‑in and ensure designs meet their needs
• Provide support to build operations by designing fixtures in CAD and commissioning them on the production floor
• Be hands‑on during the build process, working alongside engineers, technicians, and operators
• Have a safety‑first mindset when working around and designing hardware for fluids including kerosene, water, peroxide, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen with pressures up to 15,000 psi, as well as cryogenics
• Generate documentation including drawings, assembly and work instructions for operation and maintenance

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience with test system design or related role
• BS degree or higher in an engineering field, Mechanical, Chemical, or Mechatronic preferred (suitable experience may be substituted)
• Experience designing and troubleshooting automated hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Expertise in CAD (SolidWorks or other) and GD&T
• Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, ASME piping codes, and other related standards
Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal
• Ability to work flexibly in a fast‑paced environment, collaborating with other functions and departments
• Demonstrated ability to balance requirements of multiple stakeholders and deliver projects on time
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for long periods, working on ladders, kneeling, crouching, working in tight spaces, lifting objects up to 25 lbs.

Preferred Experience:

• Working knowledge and skilled with hand tools and able to fabricate and assemble to drawing specifications
• Expertise in Solidworks tube and cable routing
• Structural design experience for walkways & multi‑point lifting
• Experience designing pneumatic proofing equipment including acoustic attenuation & shrapnel penetration calculations
• Experience designing hydraulic proofing equipment
• Experience designing industrial electrical control panels (Eplan or other)
• Experience building industrial electrical control panels
• Experience in production within ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
• Familiarity with FEA software (ANSYS preferred)

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $106,000 - $132,000, 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.

No outside recruiters, please.