Senior Design Engineer, Solid Rocket Motor Ignition Systems

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 121,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA/FSA

401k

Job summary

Ursa Major seeks an Ordnance Engineer to lead the lifecycle of energetic ordnance components for advanced SRM applications. You will define and qualify designs, manage procurement interfaces, and work across systems engineering, safety, and QA to ensure high-assurance performance.

The role requires deep expertise in initiators, safe-and-arm devices, ignition systems, and stage separation mechanisms, with DoD Secret clearance. Colorado-based, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM disciplines (Aero/Mech/Chemical).
• 5+ years in aerospace ordnance, energetic materials, or rocket motor ignition systems.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-1901, MIL-STD-1576, MIL-DTL-23659, RCC 319.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, qualification and procurement of ordnance systems for SRM applications.
• Design and integrate components like EEDs, igniters, SADs/ESADs, EBW systems.
• Prepare procurement specs, SOWs and ICDs; interface with suppliers.
• Oversee testing plans and environmental tests (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum).
• Lead RCCA investigations and FMECA; collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Energetic ordnance

Ignition systems

Safe-and-arm devices

Flight termination systems

Stage separation mechanisms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical

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 highly skilled and motivated Ordnance Engineer to join our propulsion engineering team. In this role, you will lead and support the design, development, qualification, and procurement of ordnance systems and components for advanced Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) applications. You will serve as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for ordnance components throughout the entire product lifecycle—from initial concept definition through flight qualification and production support.

The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in initiators, ignition systems, safe-and-arm devices, flight/thrust termination systems, and stage separation mechanisms.

Primary Responsibilities

• Component Design & Development: Lead the engineering lifecycle of energetic ordnance components, including electro-explosive devices (EEDs), igniters, electronic and mechanical safe-and-arm devices (SADs/ESADs, EISDs), exploding foil devices (LEEFIs) and exploding bridgewire (EBW) systems.
• Separation & Termination Systems: Design, analyze, and integrate ordnance subcomponents, including Linear Shaped Charges (LSC) for flight termination (FTS) or thrust termination, as well as exploding bolts, frangible nuts, and pin pullers for stage separation.
• Subcontractor & Procurement Technical Management: Author technical procurement specifications, Statements of Work (SOW), and Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Serve as the primary technical interface to ordnance sub-tier suppliers, ensuring compliance with rigorous aerospace standards.
• Testing & Qualification: Author test plans, procedures, and reports for component-level and system-level ordnance testing. Oversee environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum) and energetic firing tests.
• Failure Investigation & Risk Analysis: Lead Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for ordnance manufacturing anomalies or test failures. Perform Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Systems Engineering, Integration & Test, Safety, Quality Assurance, and programmatic teams to ensure seamless system integration and safety compliance.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of direct experience in aerospace ordnance, energetic materials, or rocket motor ignition systems (Level/Title can be adjusted based on experience).
• Technical Standards: Working knowledge of industry standards such as MIL-STD-1901, MIL-STD-1576, MIL-DTL-23659, and RCC 319 (Range Safety User Requirements).
• Security: Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret Clearance.
• Experience with both hot-gas ignition systems and pyrotechnic ignition strings for large-scale solid rocket motors.
• Strong familiarity with High-Voltage Detonators (EBW/EFI)
• Experience presenting at formal design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) to internal leadership and military customers (e.g., MDA, US Navy, US Air Force, US Space Force, etc).

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $120,720 - $150,900, 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

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.