Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems

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.

Ursa Major is seeking a Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems to support the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles.

Ursa Major’s teams move fast and does a lot with little.  We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will serve as a central member of member of the team and take immediate ownership of their system as a responsible engineer.  This role sits at the intersection of propulsion design, vehicle integration, systems engineering, and test, with ownership from early concept through flight demonstration and production transition.

The ideal candidate brings deep propulsion experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to drive technical decisions in fast-paced, hardware-centric programs.

This role is available to work as a hybrid (2-days per week remote) or on-site role out of our Berthoud, Colorado office.

Key Responsibilities

Clean sheet design and analysis of fluid & mechanical vehicle components including tanks, feed systems, propellant management, and fluid systems

Support rapid development cycles of new designs and changing requirements including testing, data analysis and hands-on hardware work

Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations

Collaborate with the manufacturing, analysis, and test teams to reduce part-to-part variation and discrepancies

Assemble and test first article prototypes

Lead propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles

Own subsystem-level propulsion trades, performance margins, and integration decisions

Serve as the technical authority for propulsion interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and mission engineering

Develop and manage propulsion requirements, verification plans, and compliance evidence

Collaborate closely with vehicle and systems engineers to ensure mission and performance alignment

Support ground test and flight test planning, execution, and post-test data analysis

Identify propulsion system risks and drive mitigation strategies across design, manufacturing, and test

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to early- and mid-career engineers

Support customer technical reviews, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings

Contribute to proposal development, including technical approaches, architectures, and risk posture

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

8+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development

Demonstrated experience supporting hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles

Strong understanding of:

Propulsion system architecture and integration

Vehicle-level performance and propulsion impacts

Requirements development and verification

Experience working across disciplines in a systems engineering environment

Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting

Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5

Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems

Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements

Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team

Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting

Ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule and performance pressure

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Experience with hypersonic propulsion architectures (e.g., SRM, liquid rocket, advanced boost systems)

Experience supporting flight test or demonstration programs

Familiarity with thermal, structural, and aero integration challenges in hypersonic regimes

Experience in design and analysis of fluids systems

Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations

Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements

Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)

Experience with fluids, structural and thermal analysis using Ansys software

3+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software

Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis

Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering tools

Prior experience serving as a technical lead or subsystem owner

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $125,000 - $150,000, 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

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.

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.

No outside recruiters, please.