Principal Engineer Propulsion Systems

Role Overview

Ursa Major is seeking a Principal 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 subsystem-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
• 12+ 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 9001 or AS9100 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
• 5+ 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
• Leadership and team building skills to include fostering collaborative and positive cultures formal and informal influencing skills and team empowerment and motivation expertise

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role which is $170000 - $215000 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

Classification: Full-time Exempt.

What We Do

Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space hypersonic applications and missile systems. Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills knowing that there is always room for growth.

Why Work With Us

We believe that each unique team member fuels the creativity necessary to build the world’s best propulsion systems. This is realized as a deeply held commitment to celebrating individuality hiring talent across all backgrounds and experiences building a culture of inclusion and constantly challenging ourselves to improve.

Gallery