Senior Thermal Ablation Analyst

Ursa Major; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major seeks a Senior Thermal/Ablation Analyst to perform high-fidelity thermal analyses for propulsion systems, ensuring performance and reliability. You will collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs.

The role requires 4+ years of aerospace thermal analysis experience, proficiency with Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and ITRAC, and a strong understanding of heat transfer and high-temperature materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 4+ years of aerospace thermal analysis experience.
• Proficiency with finite element and computational thermal tools.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and test data.
• Experience with high-temperature materials and ablative systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-fidelity thermal analyses for components and systems.
• Develop and validate analytical models; correlate with test data.
• Assess insulation, ablative materials and TPS performance.
• Support design, manufacturing, and testing teams in thermal optimization.
• Prepare technical reports and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Finite element analysis

Heat transfer

Thermal analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

ITRAC

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.

Role Overview

As a Senior Thermal/Ablation Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity thermal analyses to ensure the performance and reliability of our products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thermal modeling and analysis for components and systems under extreme operating conditions.
• Perform transient and steady-state thermal analyses to evaluate heat transfer, thermal gradients, and material response.
• Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ITRAC).
• Assess insulation performance, ablative material behavior, and thermal protection system effectiveness utilizing analytical tools and hands-on inspection methods.
• Correlate analytical predictions with test data and refine models accordingly.
• Work with design and manufacturing teams to optimize thermal performance and ensure feasibility.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in thermal analysis of aerospace components.
• Note: Ursa Major is considering candidates for this position at multiple levels. Based on your experience, we may be able to adjust the level of the role along with the associated compensation range accordingly.
• Proficiency in finite element and computational thermal analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermal expansion, and high-temperature material behavior.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience with CFD, FEA, or other multidisciplinary analysis
• Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
• Knowledge of ablative materials, insulation systems, and thermal protection systems.
• Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
• Experience testing and evaluating materials for use in engineering applications

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $128,000 - $160,000, 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.