Senior Materials Engineer, Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)

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

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.