Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems, Berthoud

Job Description 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.
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 sub system-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 **** or AS**** 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.
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.