Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design, In-Space

Rocket Lab; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense manufacturer is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of fluid and mechanical system design. The role emphasizes clean sheet design of propulsion components and supporting team development through mentoring. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s and ample design experience, eager to contribute to innovative aerospace challenges.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional and Roth 401(k)

Equity Grants in the Company

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design and analysis experience.
• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis using commercial codes.
• Strong understanding of industry standards required.

Responsibilities

• Clean sheet design and analysis of spacecraft chemical propulsion components.
• Collaborate to write, review, and update work instructions.
• Interface with suppliers to define product requirements.

Skills

Proficiency with computer aided design

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Finite Element Analysis

Fluid and mechanical systems knowledge

Desire for ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems.

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

Ursa Major’s teams move 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 fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for similar hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

• Clean sheet design and analysis of spacecraft chemical propulsion components including tanks, valves, thrusters, and tooling

• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations

• Collaborate with team members to write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of spacecraft components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests

• Provide guidance on assembly and testing of first article prototypes

• Interface with suppliers to define product requirements and support delivery of hardware

• Technical mentor for less senior members of the team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering

• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design and analysis experience

• Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting

• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5

• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA / FEM) using commercial codes (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, of NASTRAN-based solvers).

• Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems

• Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements including SMC-S-016, and AIAA S-080

• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team

Desired Experience

• Demonstrated proficiency in design for manufacturing for traditional and additive methods

• Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems for spacecraft

• Experience with structural and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software

• 3+ years of Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software

• High Cycle Fatigue Analysis (HCF, crack initiation predicted by a stress-life / SN approach).

• Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis (LCF, crack initiation predicted by a strain-life / e-N approach).

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $95,000 - $155,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
• 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.

US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.

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.