Senior Propulsion Engineer, Tanks

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer, Tanks to lead the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems and own tank architecture from ideation through qualification.

You will drive trades and performance margins, perform hands-on testing and data analysis, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure mission alignment and rapid development cycles for hypersonic vehicle programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development.
• Experience supporting hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles.
• Strong understanding of propulsion system architecture and integration, vehicle-level performance and propulsion impacts.
• Experience working across disciplines in a systems engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Own tank architecture from ideation to qualification.
• Design fluid & mechanical tank systems on a clean sheet.
• Support rapid development cycles with testing, data analysis, and hands-on hardware work.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, analysis, and test teams to optimize performance.
• Assemble and test first article prototypes.
• Lead propulsion subsystem architecture for hypersonic vehicles.
• Own trades, margins, and integration decisions.
• Serve as technical authority for tanks and interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, and mission engineering.

Skills

Systems thinking

Propulsion systems engineering

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

PTC Creo / Siemens NX CAD

Windchill PLM

ANSYS

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

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 seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer, Tanks to lead the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems and take ownership of tank architecture from ideation to qualification.

The ideal candidate brings deep propulsion experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to drive technical decisions in fast-paced, hardware-centric programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete ownership of tank architecture from ideation to qualification


• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical tank systems


• Support rapid development cycles of new designs and changing requirements including testing, data analysis and hands-on hardware work


• Collaborate with the manufacturing, analysis, and test teams to optimize performance, meet requirements and reduce part-to-part variation


• Assemble and test first article prototypes


• Lead propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles


• Own trades, performance margins, and integration decisions


• Serve as the technical authority for tanks and interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal and mission engineering


• Collaborate closely with vehicle and systems engineers to ensure mission and performance alignment


• Support ground test and flight test planning, execution, and post-test data analysis


• Identify system risks and drive mitigation strategies across design, manufacturing, and test


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to early- and mid-career engineers


• Support customer technical reviews, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field


• 5-8+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development


• Demonstrated experience supporting hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles


• Strong understanding of propulsion system architecture and integration, vehicle-level performance and propulsion impacts


• Experience working across disciplines in a systems engineering environment


• 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 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


• Ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule and performance pressure


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field


• Experience with hypersonic propulsion architectures (e.g., SRM, liquid rocket, advanced boost systems)


• Experience supporting flight test or demonstration programs


• Familiarity with thermal, structural, and aero integration challenges in hypersonic regimes


• Experience in analysis of fluids systems


• Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations


• Experience with AIAA S-080 or SMC-S-016 Test Requirements


• Experience with fluids, structural and thermal analysis using Ansys software


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


• Prior experience serving as a technical lead or subsystem owner

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $125,000 - $150,000, 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

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.