Full-Time

Thermal Analysis Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

201-500 employees

Develops propulsion systems for aerospace industry

Compensation Overview

$95k - $125k/yr

Mid

No H1B Sponsorship

Loveland, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Materials & Structures
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis of aerospace components.
  • Proficiency in finite element and computational thermal analysis tools.
  • Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermal expansion, and high-temperature material behavior.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct thermal modeling and analysis for components and systems under extreme operating conditions.
  • Perform transient and steady-state thermal analyses to evaluate heat transfer, thermal gradients, and material response.
  • Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS Thermal, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).
  • Assess insulation performance, ablative material behavior, and thermal protection system effectiveness.
  • Correlate analytical predictions with test data and refine models accordingly.
  • Work with design and manufacturing teams to optimize thermal performance and ensure feasibility.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Experience with SFD, FEA, or other multidisciplinary analysis
  • Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
  • Knowledge of ablative materials, insulation systems, and thermal protection systems.
  • Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.

Ursa Major develops propulsion systems for the aerospace industry, focusing on engines for space launch vehicles and hypersonic applications. Their products are designed to be reliable and cost-effective, addressing common propulsion issues that lead to launch failures. Ursa Major serves a variety of clients, including private space companies and government agencies, by providing launch-ready engines that help reduce the financial and technical challenges of engine development. Unlike many competitors, Ursa Major emphasizes accessibility to space through its affordable solutions and has already tested multiple engines for deployment. The company's goal is to enhance space exploration and hypersonic travel by delivering high-performance engines that balance performance, reliability, and cost.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$274.5M

Headquarters

Berthoud, Colorado

Founded

2015

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for hypersonic propulsion aligns with Ursa Major's focus on hypersonic engines.
  • Additive manufacturing reduces production costs and time, benefiting Ursa Major's engine production.
  • U.S. government investment in defense technologies offers contract opportunities for Ursa Major.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin threatens Ursa Major's market share.
  • Rapid technological advancements may require Ursa Major to invest heavily in R&D.
  • Reliance on government contracts exposes Ursa Major to changes in defense spending priorities.

What makes Ursa Major unique

  • Ursa Major specializes in propulsion systems for microsatellite and nanosatellite launch markets.
  • The company uses over 80% additive manufacturing for its engine components.
  • Ursa Major focuses on cost-effective, reliable propulsion solutions for space and hypersonic applications.

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Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Wellness Program

Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)

Company Equity

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

-5%
PR Newswire
Mar 13th, 2025
Ursa Major To Deliver Chemical Propulsion Capability For Tactical Satellite Bus Systems

DENVER, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ursa Major has been awarded a contract for delivery of fully integrated GEO propulsion systems for a customer focused on critical space missions. The multi-year award totaling $10 to $15 million supports the development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of a full propulsion system capable of six degree-of-freedom maneuverability

Interesting Engineering
Feb 18th, 2025
Iron Dome for America: US firm pitches powerful hypersonic engine for missile defense

In 2023, the US Air Force awarded Ursa Major a contract to develop its Draper and Arroway engines.

SpaceNews
Feb 17th, 2025
Ursa Major eyes 'Iron Dome' applications for its mid-size rocket engine

WASHINGTON - Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major is accelerating development and testing of its Draper liquid rocket engine in collaboration with U.S. defense agencies and military contractors.

Defence Blog
Dec 19th, 2024
Next-gen rocket motor clears crucial development phase

Ursa Major, which has conducted nearly 300 static test fires this year alone, is leveraging its capabilities to produce agile solid rocket motor solutions at an accelerated pace.

MBT Magazine
Dec 18th, 2024
RTX's Raytheon and Ursa Major Conduct Successful Flight Test

Raytheon has selected Ursa Major's advanced propulsion technology as a key enabler to provide affordable solutions for the U.S. Army at extended ranges.