Senior Propulsion Engineer, Fluid & Mechanical Systems

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 121,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental Leave

Health Insurance

HSA/FSA

Disability & Life Insurance

Voluntary Life & Emergency Medical

Job summary

Ursa Major in Colorado is seeking a skilled mechanical design engineer to own clean-sheet propulsion hardware from concept to production. You will design fluid and mechanical engine components, modify prototypes, and collaborate across teams to meet top-level objectives.

The role requires 4+ years of experience, a degree in engineering, strong CAD skills, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5). You will work in a fast-paced environment, delivering manufacturable, robust designs for propulsion hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.
• 4+ years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Electromechanical and pneumatic actuator design experience.
• Experience testing high‑pressure fluid systems.
• Proficiency with CAD and drafting.
• ASME Y14.5 based GD&T understanding.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements.
• Ability to take ownership and lead on team tasks.

Responsibilities

• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components including gimbals, actuators, valves, and fluid systems.
• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, manufacturability or resolve limitations.
• Collaborate with engineers on design of components, system sizing, testing, and system development.
• Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives.
• Draft and review work instructions for assembly and testing of components.
• Assemble and test first article prototypes.
• Coordinate with interfacing teams for integration into engine system.
• Support validation and recursive design during engine development.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s or PhD in engineering

Tools

CAD software

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components including gimbals, actuators, valves, and fluid systems
• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations
• Work with other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development
• 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
• 4+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
• Electromechanical and pneumatic actuator design experience
• Experience testing high-pressure fluid systems
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
• Strong understanding of 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 engineering
• Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
• Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
• 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
• 2+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
• 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

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.