Senior Design Engineer, Solid Rocket Motor Ignition Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Medical Insurance

401k match

Vision/Dental

Job summary

Ursa Major Technologies is seeking an Ordnance Engineer to lead the design, development, qualification, and procurement of ordnance systems for advanced solid rocket motor applications. You will act as SME across lifecycles from concept to flight qualification and production support.

The role requires deep expertise in initiators, ignition systems, safe-and-arm devices, and stage separation mechanisms, with a focus on safety and aerospace standards compliance. Colorado-based, full-time position.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical engineering or a related STEM field.
• Minimum 5+ years of direct experience in aerospace ordnance or rocket motor ignition systems.
• Working knowledge of aerospace industry standards MIL-STD-1901, MIL-STD-1576, MIL-DTL-23659, RCC 319.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering lifecycle of energetic ordnance components (EEDs, igniters, SADs/ESADs, EISDs, LEEFIs, EBW).
• Design and integrate ordnance subcomponents for flight termination and stage separation.
• Author SOWs, technical procurement specs, and ICDs for ordnance subsuppliers.

Skills

Aerospace ordnance experience

Ignition systems

SADs/ESADs

EBW systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical)

Tools

MIL-STD-1901

MIL-STD-1576

MIL-DTL-23659

RCC 319

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.