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.
The Principal Engineer has extensive experience with spacecraft and/or in-space propulsion system components across the product life cycle (I.e., concept to flight). You will be assigned to the In-Space Integrated Product Team (IPT) to help shape the technical direction of the team, shape current and future technology development to the needs of the industry, both existing and novel, and execute the current technical roadmap. You will serve as a judge of technical readiness to proceed throughout the program lifecycle, including milestone design reviews
Responsibilities:
Key Responsibility #1: Spacecraft Propulsion Subject Matter Expert
You are a subject matter expert in a spacecraft system, subsystem, or analysis technique.
- Research into heritage and state of the art design, performance, and operation of the subject of expertise
- Collaboration with design, analysis, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines to apply your expertise to the In-Space IPT development programs
- Propose novel concepts for solving existing-program problems as well as business development avenues
- Creation and approval of technical documents in your area of expertise
- Mentor others in your area of expertise
Key Responsibility #2: Spacecraft System Design and Architecture Technical Advisor
- Define propulsion system top level requirements and objectives for new system concepts and/or changes to current systems and components
- Evaluate various component and system architecture options to determine the best design to achieve the customer’s mission objectives
- Provide initial sizing for components across the propulsion system and perform trade studies to evaluate optimized architecture configuration
- Define propulsion system requirements, detailed piping and instrumentation diagram, concepts of operation, and FMECA
- Develop and mentor less experienced engineers in use of tools for spacecraft propulsion component and system design and analysis, operation concepts, and best practices.
- Support range safety approval and provide mission assurance support for fielded systems
- Collaborate with the In-Space product team to shape technical roadmap
- Interface with potential customers to align needs with the In-Space technical roadmap
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of a B.S. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- 15+ years’ experience with spacecraft, specifically propulsion
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
- On-site, hands-on presence to oversee qualification of hardware and flight readiness
- Experience writing and reviewing component and system specifications
- Design or development experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Mechanical design of valves, tanks, satellite structures
- Chemical and electric propulsion for space applications
- Orbital mechanics and mission design and analysis
- Working knowledge of compressible flows and thermal management of spacecraft
- Deep understanding of industry specifications including qualification, range safety, and rideshare documents
Desired Experience:
- Experience with hydrazine propulsion systems
- Demonstrated success as a project or team lead across multiple programs
- Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
- Deep historical knowledge of previous spacecraft propulsion programs & missions
- Experience working at a small company / startup environment
- Development of spacecraft propulsion systems from prototype to production-capable / flown hardware
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $150,000- $205,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Benefits Include:
- 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 in the Company
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.
US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.
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.
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
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What We Do
At Ursa Major, we are powering the future of aerospace. We see aerospace advancement as a technological imperative and we’re accelerating the industry as the leading source of world-class propulsion systems.
We meticulously design, craft, and test engines that are optimized to offer high performance, diverse capability, and unwavering reliability.
Why Work With Us
As much as we value talent, we know that it’s meaningless without the drive, humility, and hunger to work on a team. A team shares a common goal and obsesses about achieving it together. This requires leaving egos at the door and committing to do whatever’s required (within reason) to achieve mission success.
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Ursa Major Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
