Senior Systems Engineer

Ursa Major; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

Equity Grants

Job summary

Ursa Major in Fort Collins, Colorado, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development of hypersonic propulsion systems. This role requires expertise in systems engineering, with responsibilities for defining and managing system-level requirements, conducting validation and verification processes, and mentoring junior engineers. The position offers a hybrid work model, competitive compensation of $133,000 - $166,000 based on experience and education, and a range of benefits including unlimited PTO, medical insurance, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience applying systems engineering principles to complex aerospace systems.
• Proven ability to manage requirements and verification for multi-disciplinary systems.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive, professional relationships across technical and customer teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead definition, validation, and maintenance of system-level requirements for hypersonic engines and vehicles.
• Develop and own qualification and verification plans at the system level.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.

Skills

Systems engineering principles

Organizational skills

Leadership in cross-functional teams

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama)

Education

B.S. in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering

M.S. preferred

Tools

DOORS

Cameo

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.

Classification: Full-time Exempt

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will leverage your experience to ensure our hypersonic propulsion and vehicle systems are designed, verified, and qualified to meet mission‑critical customer requirements. This role will be highly cross‑functional, with opportunities to influence design decisions, guide verification strategies, and shape system engineering processes across Ursa Major’s hypersonic product lines. This is a hybrid position based in our Berthoud, Colorado office, typically with 2‑days per week remote.

Responsibilities

• Lead definition, validation, and maintenance of system‑level requirements for hypersonic engines and vehicles.
• Develop and own qualification and verification plans at the system level.
• Track requirement verification status throughout product development, test, and qualification.
• Review and approve test and analysis plans/reports, ensuring traceability to customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain key system safety and reliability analyses (FMEA, PFMEA, ASIA, etc.) for hypersonic systems.
• Lead risk analysis and mitigation efforts; manage closure of system‑level risks.
• Develop and maintain Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) architectures for hypersonic engines and vehicles.
• Represent systems engineering at internal and customer design reviews, communicating requirement compliance and risk posture.
• Drive improvements in systems engineering processes, tools, and standards across programs.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, elevating systems engineering capability within the team.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering (or related field); M.S. preferred.
• 5+ years of experience applying systems engineering principles to complex aerospace systems (design reviews, requirements verification, risk management, failure analysis).
• Proven ability to manage requirements and verification for multi‑disciplinary systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross‑functional technical teams.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive, professional relationships across technical and customer teams.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace.
• Ability to work on‑site in Berthoud, Colorado 3+ days per week.

Desired Experience

• Proficiency with requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama.
• Experience with MBSE and tools such as Cameo.
• Familiarity with government and DoD contracts, specifications, and compliance requirements.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Experience in hypersonic vehicles, propulsion, or high‑speed flight systems.

Compensation

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $133,000 - $166,000, 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.

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

How To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking “Submit Application”. This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

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.

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.