Staff Structural Analyst

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