Principal Engineer, Propulsion Systems

<div class="content-intro"><p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span data-teams="true"><strong>The future of aerospace and defense starts here.&nbsp;<br></strong></span></p> <p><span data-teams="true"><br>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.&nbsp;</span></p></div><p><strong>Role Overview</strong></p> <p>Ursa Major is seeking a <strong>Principal Engineer, Propulsion Systems</strong> to support the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ursa Major’s teams move fast and does a lot with little.&nbsp; 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. &nbsp;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.</p> <p>The ideal candidate brings deep propulsion experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to drive technical decisions in fast-paced, hardware-centric programs.</p> <p>This role is available to work as a hybrid (2-days per week remote) or on-site role out of our Berthoud, Colorado office.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clean sheet design and analysis of fluid &amp; mechanical vehicle components including tanks, feed systems, propellant management, and fluid systems</li> <li>Support rapid development cycles of new designs and changing requirements including testing, data analysis and hands-on hardware work</li> <li>Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations</li> <li>Collaborate with the manufacturing, analysis, and test teams to reduce part-to-part variation and discrepancies</li> <li>Assemble and test first article prototypes</li> <li>Lead <strong>propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition</strong> for hypersonic vehicles</li> <li>Own sub<strong>system-level propulsion trades</strong>, performance margins, and integration decisions</li> <li>Serve as the technical authority for propulsion interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and mission engineering</li> <li>Develop and manage <strong>propulsion requirements, verification plans, and compliance evidence</strong></li> <li>Collaborate closely with vehicle and systems engineers to ensure mission and performance alignment</li> <li>Support <strong>ground test and flight test planning</strong>, execution, and post-test data analysis</li> <li>Identify propulsion system risks and drive mitigation strategies across design, manufacturing, and test</li> <li>Provide technical leadership and mentorship to early- and mid-career engineers</li> <li>Support customer technical reviews, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings</li> <li>Contribute to proposal development, including technical approaches, architectures, and risk posture</li> </ul> <p><strong>Required Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field</li> <li>12+ years of experience in <strong>propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development</strong></li> <li>Demonstrated experience supporting <strong>hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles</strong></li> <li>Strong understanding of: <ul> <li>Propulsion system architecture and integration</li> <li>Vehicle-level performance and propulsion impacts</li> <li>Requirements development and verification</li> </ul> </li> <li>Experience working across disciplines in a <strong>systems engineering environment</strong></li> <li>Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting&nbsp;</li> <li>Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5</li> <li>Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems</li> <li>Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements</li> <li>Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team</li> <li>Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope</li> <li>Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting</li> <li>Ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule and performance pressure</li> <li>Strong written and verbal communication skills</li> <li>Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field</li> <li>Experience with <strong>hypersonic propulsion architectures</strong> (e.g., SRM, liquid rocket, advanced boost systems)</li> <li>Experience supporting <strong>flight test or demonstration programs</strong></li> <li>Familiarity with <strong>thermal, structural, and aero integration challenges</strong> in hypersonic regimes</li> <li>Experience in design and analysis of fluids systems</li> <li>Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations</li> <li>Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements</li> <li>Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)</li> <li>Experience with fluids, structural and thermal analysis using Ansys software</li> <li>5+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software</li> <li>Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis</li> <li>Experience with <strong>model-based systems engineering (MBSE)</strong> or digital engineering tools</li> <li>Prior experience serving as a <strong>technical lead or subsystem owner</strong></li> <li>Leadership and team building skills to include fostering collaborative and positive cultures, formal and informal influencing skills, and team empowerment and motivation expertise</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $170,000 - $215,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we <em>can’t </em>quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.&nbsp;</p> <p>Classification: Full-time Exempt.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><div> <div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement</li> <li>Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave</li> <li>Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance</li> <li>Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)</li> <li>Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&amp;D</li> <li>Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport</li> <li>EAP Program</li> <li>Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match</li> <li>Equity Grants in the Company</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span data-teams="true"><strong>How To Apply:&nbsp;</strong><br>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.</span></p> <hr></div> <div><strong>NOTE: </strong>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.</div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Must be a U.S. Person (this includes US Citizens and Permanent Residents).</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em>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.</em></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>No outside recruiters, please.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div></div>