Propulsion Engineer, Fluid & Mechanical Systems

Industrious Ventures; Berthoud, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, and 
B

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)

Short and Long Term Disability

Basic Life/AD&D

401k with Company Match

Equity Grants

Voluntary Life options

Emergency Medical Transport

EAP Program

Retirement Savings Plan

Company Equity Grants

Job summary

Ursa Major seeks a responsible engineer to contribute to the design and validation of propulsion hardware. You will own projects from initial concept through production-ready design and may support multiple engine programs concurrently.

Responsibilities include clean sheet design of engine components, design modifications for performance and manufacturability, and close collaboration with other engineers on system architecture and testing. A Bachelor's in engineering is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Hands-on, rapid mechanical design experience.
• Strong fluid mechanics understanding.
• Proficiency with CAD and drafting.
• Understanding of industry standards (ISO/AS9100).
• Ownership mindset and ability to lead large projects.

Responsibilities

• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components (gimbals, actuators, valves, fluid systems).
• Design modifications to improve performance/manufacturability.
• Collaborate with engineers on component design, sizing, testing, and system architecture for multiple programs.
• Derive requirements from engine/test objectives.
• Write/review/update work instructions and qualification tests.
• Assemble and test first article prototypes.
• Coordinate with interfacing teams to ensure successful engine integration.

Skills

Mechanical design

Fluid mechanics

CAD proficiency

Engineering standards

Ownership & leadership

Multitask in fast-paced env

Delegation & scope management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Creo/Siemens NX

Windchill PLM

Ansys FEA

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’s teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will make immediate contributions to our fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for the clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components including gimbals, actuators, valves, and fluid systems
• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations
• Work with other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs.
• Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives
• Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
• Assemble and test first article prototypes
• Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Hands‑on, rapid mechanical design experience through club, internship, or professional experience
• Strong fluid mechanics understanding and intuition
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
• Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements
• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
• Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting

Desired Experience

• Electro‑mechanical and pneumatic valve actuator design experience
• Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
• Experience testing high‑pressure fluid systems
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
• Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations.
• Experience with SMC‑S‑016 Test Requirements
• Experience with structural, fluids, and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
• 1+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $80,000 - $100,000, 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.