Full-Time

Propulsion Engineer II

Fluid and Mechanical Systems

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

201-500 employees

Develops propulsion systems for aerospace industry

Compensation Overview

$85k - $120kAnnually

Mid, Senior

No H1B Sponsorship

Loveland, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Propulsion
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering
  • 2+ 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
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
  • Work with 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.
Desired Qualifications
  • 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
  • 1+ 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.

Ursa Major develops propulsion systems specifically for the aerospace industry, focusing on engines for space launch vehicles and hypersonic applications. Their engines are designed to be reliable and cost-effective, addressing a significant issue in aerospace where propulsion failures have led to many launch setbacks. Ursa Major serves a variety of clients, including private space companies and government agencies, by providing launch-ready propulsion solutions that help reduce the financial and technical challenges of engine development. Unlike many competitors, Ursa Major emphasizes making advanced propulsion technology accessible, allowing clients to achieve successful launches without the extensive resources typically needed for engine development. The company's goal is to enhance space exploration and hypersonic travel by delivering engines that balance performance, reliability, and affordability.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$267M

Headquarters

Berthoud, Colorado

Founded

2015

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Recent $12.5M Pentagon contract boosts solid rocket engine production capabilities.
  • Expansion into Youngstown, Ohio, creates new jobs and enhances manufacturing capacity.
  • Growing demand for hypersonic propulsion aligns with Ursa Major's technological focus.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin threatens market share.
  • Reliance on government contracts risks exposure to defense budget cuts.
  • Expansion into new facilities involves significant capital expenditure and operational risks.

What makes Ursa Major unique

  • Ursa Major specializes in propulsion systems for microsatellite and nanosatellite launches.
  • Over 80% of their engines are additively manufactured using innovative materials.
  • They focus on cost-effective, reliable propulsion solutions for space and hypersonic applications.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

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

0%

2 year growth

2%
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.

Politico
Dec 16th, 2024
Alpine Group scoops up defense tech lobbyist

Abbey Overland will join the firm next month from rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major, where she served as senior vice president of Washington operations.