Structural & Thermal Analysis Engineer II, Solid Missile Systems

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 91,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Tax Advantage Accounts

Disability & Life Insurance

401k with Company Match

Equity Grants

Job summary

Ursa Major in Colorado is seeking a Structural and Thermal Analysis Engineer II to support design, analysis, and validation of advanced solid propulsion systems.

You will perform high-fidelity FEA and thermal analyses, work with design, manufacturing, and test teams, and develop models using ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, and Thermal Desktop; a Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering and 3+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of structural and thermal analysis experience in aerospace components.
• Proficiency with FEA and thermal modeling tools and methods.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs, and test data; strong problem-solving.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-fidelity structural and thermal analyses for SRM components.
• Conduct coupled thermal-stress analyses under extreme conditions.
• Support design iterations with data-driven recommendations on geometry, materials, and TPS.
• Develop and validate analytical models using industry tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, Thermal Desktop).
• Correlate analysis with test data; present findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate to implement company-wide models and processes for structural standards.
• Assist with nonconforming hardware assessment and disposition recommendations.
• Ensure design feasibility and support process optimization with manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports and participate in design reviews and investigations.

Skills

FEA

Thermal modeling

Engineering drawings interpretation

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Thermal Desktop

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.

Our Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) team is growing, and we are seeking a Structural and Thermal Analysis Engineer II to support the design, analysis, and validation of advanced solid propulsion systems.

As a Structural and Thermal Analysis Engineer II, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural and thermal analyses 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.

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, Thermal Desktop).
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in structural and thermal analysis of aerospace components.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal modeling tools.
• 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

• Master’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fatigue, fracture, or structural dynamics.
• Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
• Knowledge of composite materials, insulation, and ablative thermal protection systems.
• Hands‑on experience with testing and data correlation.
• Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications.
• 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.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $91,000 – $115,000, 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.