Senior Fluids Analyst

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 112,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match

Equity Grants in the Company

Job summary

Ursa Major, located in Colorado, is looking for a Senior Fluids Analyst to join our growing Solid Rocket Motor team. In this role, you'll perform vital fluids analyses to ensure the reliability of solid propulsion systems while collaborating closely with design and test teams.

The ideal candidate should have a background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with significant experience in CFD and fluids analysis. We offer a competitive compensation range of $112,000 to $140,000 based on qualifications and skills.

The position is full-time and includes benefits like unlimited PTO, medical insurance, and a 401k plan with company match.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fluids analysis of aerospace components.
• Experience with modeling two-phase compressible flows.
• Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-fidelity fluids analyses to ensure performance of SRM products.
• Build steady-state and transient 1D models of fluid behavior.
• Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results.
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Heat Transfer

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (preferred)

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

3D CAD software (NX preferred)

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.

Our Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) team is growing, and we are seeking a Senior Fluids Analyst to support the design, analysis, and validation of advanced solid propulsion systems.

Role Overview

As a Senior Fluids Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity fluids analyses to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs. Our ideal candidate is one proficient in both CFD as well as steady-state and transient 1D (lumped parameter) fluid modeling. You will be exposed to all systems across our SRM products and the unique challenges each component presents.

Key Responsibilities

• Use hand calculations and steady 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.
• 5+ 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.
• 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 $112,000 - $140,000, 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

How To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

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.