Senior Systems Safety Engineer - Interim Hazard Classification

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 115,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental and adoptive leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA/FSA

Disability insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major in Colorado seeks a Senior System Safety Engineer to lead explosive safety and system safety across propulsion programs. You will ensure compliance with safety requirements, work with interdisciplinary teams, and drive safety culture throughout the lifecycle of complex propulsion systems.

The role requires a STEM degree with at least 8 years in safety or systems engineering, the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance, and a proven track record in aerospace safety programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8+ years in system or safety engineering.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance.
• Experience in propulsion or aerospace safety programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze engineering hardware and schematics for fault tolerance and safety compliance.
• Maintain and evolve ESMP.
• Review test procedures to ensure safety controls are implemented.
• Collaborate across all engineering teams to mitigate hazards and embed safety throughout the product lifecycle.
• Coordinate with management and regulatory bodies from initiation to decommissioning.
• Oversee EHS training programs and safety-related permits.
• Lead safety program design assessments and safety initiatives for propulsion programs.
• Communicate with customers, regulators, subcontractors, and vendors on safety matters.
• Prepare Safety Assessment Reports and Safety Briefs for reviews.
• Ensure alignment with safety approvals and participate in Safety Review Board.
• Document safety analyses and product architecture interactions with engineering teams.

Skills

System Safety

Explosive Safety

Electrical Engineering

Software/Firmware Engineering

Clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree preferred

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior System Safety Engineer to join Ursa Major, a leading aerospace company focused on cutting-edge propulsion systems. As a Senior System Safety Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring that our rocket engines and propulsion systems meet stringent safety and reliability standards.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Analyzing engineering hardware, mechanical and electrical schematics for fault tolerance, latent hazards, and compliance with safety requirements.
• Maintaining and evolving Ursa Explosive Safety Management Program (ESMP)
• Reviewing system test procedures, operational protocols, and maintenance procedures to ensure the implementation of appropriate safety controls.
• Collaborating across all engineering teams to mitigate hazards and ensure safety measures are embedded throughout the product lifecycle.
• Coordinating with program management and external regulatory bodies from program initiation through production, operations, and decommissioning.
• Oversee Ursa Major Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Training program
• Coordinating explosives training program in accordance with Federal, State, Local and Ursa Major specific requirements

Additional Key Responsibilities

• Conduct System Safety Program or Design safety assessments.
• Lead safety initiatives for large-scale propulsion system safety programs or multiple mid-sized safety projects.
• Monitor the technical execution of safety requirements throughout the program.
• Act as a key interface with stakeholders including customers, regulatory authorities, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Prepare and present Safety Assessment Reports and Program Safety Briefs for both internal and external review.
• Lead safety discussions in technical reviews, ensuring alignment with the approval process.
• Participate and contribute to Safety Review Board
• Interpret and implement system requirements based on customer specifications and aerospace industry safety standards.
• Generate reports that document various safety analyses and system safety program findings.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of product architecture, system integration, and design.
• Maintain ATF and CDLE company, individual and magazine permits and licenses

Qualifications You Must Have

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant Systems Engineering or Safety Engineering experience. A Master’s or advanced degree may reduce the years of required experience.
• Experience: Prior experience in System Safety Engineering, Systems Engineering, Explosive Safety, Software/Firmware Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other Safety Engineering disciplines.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government‑issued security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience in propulsion systems, aerospace systems, or other high‑performance engineering systems.
• Knowledge of aerospace safety programs and experience with standards from organizations such as NASA, FAA, or DoD.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with a proven ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing safety programs and directing teams of safety professionals.
• Experience with project management tools like Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and familiarity with proposal development processes.
• Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $115,000 - $143,000, 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.