Senior Materials Engineer (Thermal Protection Systems)

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 115,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental and adoptive leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

HSA/FSA

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major in Colorado is hiring a Senior Materials Engineer (TPS) to advance thermal protection systems in solid rocket motors. You will design experiments, analyze used components, and guide material selection with a focus on high temperature, corrosive combustion, and mechanical demands.

The role emphasizes laboratory work, materials data analysis, and collaboration across teams to ensure safety and performance under extreme conditions. Colorado-based, full-time exempt position.

Qualifications

• BS in materials engineering and ~5 years’ experience; master’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, metallurgy or related discipline.
• Laboratory setting experience with lab equipment.
• Experience with elastomeric, ceramic, ablative composites, and graphite materials.
• Comfortable handling hazardous materials and materials handling.

Responsibilities

• Support material sourcing and selection for the thermal protection system in SRM systems.
• Develop and analyze thermal models for TPS design evaluations based on thermodynamics and heat transfer.
• Conduct laboratory scale experiments to validate materials selection and design.
• Define bonding and mechanical properties for integration of materials into SRM systems.
• Support design development and manufacturing validation for process improvement.
• Drive current fabrication for thermal protection systems and adapt technology for next-gen projects.
• Collaborate across teams to establish system requirements and manufacturing development.
• Document processes and write work instructions for future development.

Education

BS in materials engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

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 is currently hiring for a Senior Materials Engineer (TPS) to enhance and support the creation of next generation thermal protection systems in solid rocket motors. Aerospace systems experience corrosive combustion, high temperatures and pressures, and intense mechanical stress. Material selection for each component’s strength, chemical compatibility, and bonding capability is absolutely essential to withstand the extreme environment. An experienced materials engineer is needed to design and conduct simulated experiments, as well as, analyze used system components to provide feedback to system design teams.

This individual is required to collect, document, and analyze materials data to provide current and next generation system solutions. Collaboration across interdisciplinary teams is a must to make full use of the data obtained. Compliance with safety standards must also be upheld by any individual. Rigorous standard operating procedures and safety compliance must be followed as a basis for any and all experimentation.

Key Qualifications

• BS in materials engineering and ~5 years’ experience / preferred master’s degree.
• Knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, metallurgy or related discipline.
• Comfortable in a laboratory setting, running laboratory equipment.
• Previous experience with elastomeric compounds, ceramic, ablative composite, and graphite materials.
• Comfortable with hazardous materials and materials handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Support material sourcing, selection for the thermal protection system in SRM systems.
• Support, develop, and analyze thermal models for TPS design evaluations based on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles.
• Conduct laboratory scale experiments in a simulated environment to validate materials selection and design.
• Define bonding and mechanical properties for integration of materials into SRM systems.
• Support design development and build configuration through manufacturing validation, for process improvement.
• Drive current fabrication for thermal protection systems and further adapt the technology to drive next generation projects.
• Collaborate with team members of all levels to establish system requirements, accomplish integration goals and manufacturing development.
• Document processes in detail and write work instructions for further development.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $115,000 - $136,000, 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

• 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.