Senior Propulsion Engineer, Combustion Devices

Industrious Ventures; Berthoud, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental and adoptive leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA/FSA

Disability & life insurance

Voluntary life options

EAP program

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a skilled engineer to take ownership of rocket engine design efforts from concept to production-ready solutions. You will work within a fast-paced propulsion team, guiding component-level design, system sizing, testing, and integration to meet mission requirements.

The role emphasizes hands-on design, testing, and collaboration with interfacing teams, with opportunities to influence multiple engine programs and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience.
• Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD and drafting.
• ASME Y14.5 GD&T knowledge.
• Working knowledge of fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards.
• Desire to take ownership and help on the team.
• Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to customer demands.

Responsibilities

• Liquid rocket engine system design and analysis, including performance predictions and packaging to meet requirements.
• Clean sheet design and system integration of engine components.
• Design modifications of existing components to increase performance or manufacturability.
• Mentor other engineers on design and development topics.
• Derive requirements from engine and test objectives.
• Write and update work instructions for engine assembly and tests.

Skills

5+ years mechanical design

Rocket engine design/test/analysis

CAD and drafting

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

Aerospace/defense standards

Ownership & leadership

Team mentoring

Fast-paced adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

Siemens NX

Windchill PLM

ANSYS FEA

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’s teams moves fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast-learning individual who will serve as a central member of the team and take immediate ownership of rocket engine design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet system design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for engine hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design.

Responsibilities

• Liquid rocket engine system design and analysis, including performance predictions and packaging to meet requirements
• Clean sheet design and system integration of engine components
• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability, or resolve limitations
• Mentor other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs
• Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives
• Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
• Assemble and test first article prototypes
• Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
• Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
• Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
• Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards and requirements
• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
• Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting

Desired Experience

• Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Prior track record leading technical teams
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
• Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
• Familiarity with closed cycle rocket engines
• Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
• Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
• Experience with structural, fluids, and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
• 5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
• Component testing and validation experience in both low and high energy states
• Direct experience with flight qualification and flight support

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $121,000 - $152,000, 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

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.