Staff Propulsion Engineer – Fluid and Mechanical Systems
$145k - $180k USD
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’s teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will serve as a central member of the team and take immediate ownership of fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for similar hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously.
Responsibilities:
- Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components including gimbals, actuators, valves, and fluid systems
- Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations
- Mentor other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs.
- Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives
- Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
- Assemble and test first article prototypes
- Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- 10+ years of relevant mechanical design experience
- 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
Desired Experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
- Prior track record leading technical teams
- Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing
- Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
- Familiarity with oxygen-rich staged combustion engine cycle
- Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations.
- Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
- Experience with structural, fluids, and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software
- 5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
- Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
- Experience designing for cryogenic service in oxygen, hydrogen, and methane.
- Component testing and validation experience in both low and high energy states.
- Direct experience with flight qualification and flight support.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $145,000 - $180,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.
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.
US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.
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.