Senior/Staff Responsible Engineer - Propulsion Development

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. 

The Hadley Engineering team is responsible for owning the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, flight, refinement, and industrialization of the Hadley liquid rocket engine. Success on this team requires an understanding of liquid rocket propulsion mechanical and fluid systems, strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, organization, flexibility, effective communication across discipline groups, and an eagerness to learn new skills and mature new technologies. 

The Senior/Staff Responsible Engineer - Propulsion Development will be responsible for ownership of the Hadley Nozzle Extensions. This role will involve clean sheet design, manufacturing process development and execution, and all other activities during the nozzle development lifecycle. This role will be responsible for hardware from concept to flight.

Responsibilities:

• Own large-scale and high-priority hardware development projects across multiple engine architectures.
• Conceptualize, design, and analyze thrust chambers and nozzles.
• Source, manufacture, assemble, and test nozzle prototypes, iterate, and transition to stable production.
• Design and develop manufacturing processes, subscale test articles, validation processes, and test fixtures to confirm product capabilities.
• Work directly with interfacing components, engineers, and groups (mating hardware, avionics, test, supply chain, manufacturing) to maximize success of integrated engine design and its development/production programs.
• Review, compile, and present design and analysis documentation, design reviews, bills of material, product cost estimates, and associated documentation.
• Serve as a technical point of contact, developing internal tools and processes to mature the technical capability of the team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics
• Demonstrated hardware ownership through the full product lifecycle, from design to production
• 5+ years of full-lifecycle hardware design and development

Desired Experience:

• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience as responsible engineer, chief engineer, or equivalent product owner role for complex mechanical product(s).
• Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy.
• Experience designing and analyzing components subject to challenging thermal environments.
• Detailed knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment (e.g. machining, welding, brazing, forming, additive manufacturing).
• Mastery of CAD, drafting, and GD&T.
• Strong first-order mechanical and fluids analysis capabilities and FEA/CFD software experience.
• 5+ years of practical liquid rocket propulsion and/or vehicle design/analysis experience.

Work Environment:

• This is a mostly on-site role in Berthoud, Colorado. Relocation assistance provided. 

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $125,000 - $175,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. 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.

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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
• 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.   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.