Staff Structural Analyst

Socket.dev; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental and adoptive leave

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a Staff Structural Analyst in Colorado to ensure the reliability of solid rocket motor components. You will lead high-fidelity structural analyses, collaborate across design, manufacturing, and test teams, and mentor engineers as the team grows.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace structural analysis, strong FEA skills (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN), and experience with thermal-structural static analyses. A Bachelor’s in ME/AE is required; MS is preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in structural analysis of aerospace components.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial codes.
• Experience in thermal-structural static analysis.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
• Strong problem-solving skills in a fast-paced development environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct FEA for structural integrity, thermal performance, and dynamic behavior of SRM components.
• Perform coupled thermal-stress analyses to assess material response under extreme conditions.
• Support design iterations with data-driven recommendations on geometry, materials, and thermal protection systems.
• Develop and validate analytical models using ANSYS, Abaqus, and NASTRAN.
• Evaluate test data and correlate models with testing results.
• Collaborate to develop processes, models, and tools meeting structural standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to assess nonconforming hardware and provide dispositions.
• Ensure design feasibility and support process optimization in production.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for stakeholders.
• Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor engineers to build capability in structural analysis and best practices.

Skills

FEA proficiency

Thermal-structural analysis

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS in solid mechanics / structural dynamics (preferred)

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

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.

As a Staff Structural Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs. We are looking for experienced analysts who bring new skills and best practices from their prior experience to Ursa and who in time will mentor employees as the team grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity, thermal performance, and dynamic behavior of solid rocket motor components
• Perform coupled thermal-stress analyses to assess material response under extreme conditions
• Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry, material selection, and thermal protection systems
• Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN)
• Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop company-wide processes, models, and tools that meet requirements and comply with structural standards
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to assess nonconforming hardware for development and flight components and provide recommended dispositions and repairs
• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and support process optimization
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Mentor and coach analysis engineers, helping to build organizational capability in structural analysis, multi-physics analysis, and engineering best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in structural analysis of aerospace components
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial codes
• Experience in thermal-structural static analysis
• Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, and high-temperature structural 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

• M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics
• Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, and high-temperature materials
• Knowledge of composite materials, insulation, ablative thermal protection systems, and viscoelastic materials
• Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation
• Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications and dynamic analysis experience
• Fracture analysis experience (crack growth/safe-life and assessing for instability via LEFM)
• Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis (LCF, crack initiation predicted by a strain-life approach)
• Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite
• Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments
• A track record of effective oral and written communications to support recommendations
• Experience supporting failure investigations and root-cause analysis

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $140,000 - $175,000, 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.