Senior Propulsion Engineer, Fluid and Mechanical Systems

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Fluid and Mechanical Systems

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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’s teams move fast and do a lot with little.

We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will serve as a central member of the team and take immediate ownership of fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware, as well as technical guidance and mentoring of a team responsible for similar hardware.

Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously.

This is a unique opportunity to own clean-sheet design of a family of sophisticated control valves for our Full-Flow Staged Combustion Engines for Launch Vehicle applications, and operate as a technical leader in a small, agile team.

• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components including valves, gimbals, actuators, 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 and for 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.
• Source, manufacture, assemble, and test product prototypes, iterate, and transition to stable production.
• Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics
• 4+ years of relevant full-lifecycle mechanical design and development – from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and manufacturing operations to achieve robustness and autonomy.
• Mastery of CAD, drafting, and GD&T
• 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.

• Master’s or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Strong first‑order mechanical and fluids analysis capabilities and FEA/CFD software experience.
• Detailed knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment (e.g., machining, welding, brazing, forming, additive manufacturing).
• Prior track record leading technical teams developing complex mechanical product(s).
• Thorough comprehension of launch vehicle architectures, liquid rocket engines, and aerospace components.
• Practical experience designing components 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.

• 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…