Senior Propulsion Engineer – Fluid and Mechanical Systems, In-Space

Ursa Major’s teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will support our fluid and mechanical system design efforts as part of our In-Space Propulsion team. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for clean sheet designs 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 components, system architectures, and missions ranging from LEO to GEO and beyond.   

Responsibilities: 

• Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical components for spacecraft propulsion, including tanks, valves, feed systems. 

• Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations 

• Mentor 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 top level system and test objectives 

• Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of propulsion system and components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests 

• Assemble and test first article prototypes 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering 

• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience 

• 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.  

Desired Experience:

• Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning) 

• Prior track record leading technical teams 

• Demonstrated proficiency with basic principles of design for additive manufacturing 

• Spacecraft propulsion system design, test, or analysis 

• Familiarity with hypergolic and other storable propellants 

• Experience with structural and thermal analysis using Ansys FEA software 

• Experience with magnetic design, actuators, or solenoids 

• 3+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $95,000 - $155,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

Classification: Full-time Exempt.