Ursa Major

Develops launch-ready propulsion engines for space

Structural Analyst 2

Materials & StructuresConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBerthoud, CO, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field is required.
At least 3 years of experience in structural and thermal analysis of aerospace components is required.
Proficiency in finite element analysis and thermal modeling tools is required.
Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, and high-temperature structural behavior is required.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data is required.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced development environment.
Must be a U.S. Person, including a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Conduct finite element analysis for structural integrity and dynamic behavior of solid rocket motor components.
Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry and material selection.
Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, and NASTRAN.
Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results.
Collaborate with manufacturing to assess nonconforming hardware for development and flight components, and recommend dispositions and repairs.
Work with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and support process optimization.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

An M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics.
Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
Knowledge of composite materials, viscoelastic materials, insulation, and ablative thermal protection systems.
Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications and dynamic analysis.
Fracture analysis experience, including crack growth, safe-life analysis, and assessing instability via linear elastic fracture mechanics.
Experience with the ANSYS finite element analysis suite.
Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments.
Effective oral and written communication skills to support recommendations.

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.

As a Structural Analyst II, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural and thermal analyses to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity, and dynamic behavior of solid rocket motor components

Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry and material selection

Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN)

Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results

Collaborate with the manufacturing team to assess nonconforming hardware for development and flight components and provide recommended dispositions and repairs

Work with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and support process optimization

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders

Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

3+ years of experience in structural and thermal analysis of aerospace components

Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal modeling tools

Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, and high-temperature structural behavior

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics

Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials

Knowledge of composite materials, viscoelastic materials, insulation, and ablative thermal protection systems

Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation

Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications and dynamic analysis experience

Fracture analysis experience (crack growth/safe-life and assessing for instability via LEFM)

Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite

Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments

A track record of effective oral and written communications to support recommendations

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $89,000 - $112,000, 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

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.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

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.

About the Company

Ursa Major

Develops launch-ready propulsion engines for space

Ursa Major Technologies designs, tests, and manufactures propulsion systems for aerospace, focusing on engines for space launch vehicles and hypersonic applications. Its propulsion engines are designed, tested, and then sold or licensed to customers as launch-ready systems that can be integrated into rockets or hypersonic platforms for dependable liftoff. The company differentiates itself by delivering reliable, cost-effective engines that are ready-to-deploy, targeting both commercial and governmental clients to reduce the risk of launch failures. Its goal is to power the future of space exploration and hypersonic travel by providing engines that balance performance, reliability, and cost to help customers overcome financial, technical, and time barriers to propulsion development.

Company size: 501-1,000
Company stage: Late Stage VC
Total funding: $426.5M
Headquarters: Berthoud, CO
Founded: 2015

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