Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer — Longmont, CO at

About Ursa Major

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.

Our teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for skilled, fast-learning individuals who will serve as central members of the team and take immediate ownership of their systems as responsible engineers.

About the Role

This role sits at the intersection of propulsion design, vehicle integration, systems engineering, and test, with ownership spanning from early concept through flight demonstration and production transition. You will serve as a technical authority for propulsion interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and mission engineering, driving technical decisions in fast-paced, hardware-centric programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep propulsion experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to lead subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles. This position is available as a hybrid role (2 days per week remote) or on-site out of our Berthoud, Colorado office.

How to Apply

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.

Note on Diversity: 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.

Equal Opportunity

We are 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. Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Work location

Work model: Hybrid

815, Grant Street, Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado, 80501, United States

Longmont, Colorado

Key Responsibilities

check_circleLead propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles
check_circleServe as technical authority for propulsion interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, and avionics
check_circleDevelop and manage propulsion requirements, verification plans, and compliance evidence
check_circleIdentify propulsion system risks and drive mitigation strategies across design and manufacturing
check_circleProvide technical leadership and mentorship to early- and mid-career engineers
check_circleCollaborate with manufacturing and test teams to reduce part-to-part variation and discrepancies
check_circleContribute to proposal development including technical approaches, architectures, and risk posture
check_circleDesign and analyze fluid and mechanical vehicle components including tanks and feed systems

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
verified8+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development
verifiedDemonstrated experience supporting hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles
verifiedProficiency with computer aided design and drafting
verifiedExperience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
verifiedAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
verifiedU.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, Refugee or Asylum Status required

Nice to Have

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. 3+ 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.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleUnlimited PTO including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leavecheck_circlePaid parental and adoptive leavecheck_circleMedical, dental, and vision insurance coveragecheck_circleTax advantage accounts including HSA and FSAEmployer paid short-term and long-term disability, basic life, and AD&D insurance

Company

Ursa Major

Industry

Defense and Space Manufacturing

Headquarters

Berthoud, Colorado

Innovation built to Fly Faster: propulsion and defense systems for any mission, any domain.

Ursa Major operates within the defense and space manufacturing sector, specializing in the development of high-performance propulsion and defense systems. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, the organization focuses on engineering American-built technologies designed to support U.S. superiority across all operational domains. These solutions are intended to power the future of the aerospace industry while meeting rigorous national security requirements. The company serves government and defense entities seeking reliable, domestically produced systems to enhance strategic capabilities. By maintaining a commitment to American manufacturing, Ursa Major contributes to the broader goal of maintaining technological leadership in critical defense areas. The firm's work ensures that propulsion and defense platforms remain effective and ready for complex missions. Through its specialized engineering efforts, the organization supports the evolving needs of the national defense infrastructure without compromising on performance or origin.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion Systems Engineering, Vehicle Development, Hypersonic, Missile, Aerospace Vehicles, Propulsion System Architecture, Requirements Development, Verification.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required; Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field preferred.

Frequently asked questions about Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major

What does a Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major do?expand_more

In this Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major role, you will lead propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles; serve as technical authority for propulsion interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, and avionics; develop and manage propulsion requirements, verification plans, and compliance evidence; and identify propulsion system risks and drive mitigation strategies across design and manufacturing.

What are the requirements for this Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems role?expand_more

Ursa Major is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; 8+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development; Demonstrated experience supporting hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles; Proficiency with computer aided design and drafting; Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5; and Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Where is the Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems role at Ursa Major located?expand_more

Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major is based in 815, Grant Street, Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado, 80501, United States. This is a hybrid role.

Is this Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Ursa Major has listed this Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems role as hybrid.

How much experience is required for this Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems role?expand_more

Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.

What skills do you need for the Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems role at Ursa Major?expand_more

Key skills for Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major include Aerospace Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Propulsion Systems Engineering; Vehicle Development; Hypersonic; Missile; Aerospace Vehicles; and Propulsion System Architecture.

What education is required for Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required; and Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field preferred.

What category does the Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems role belong to?expand_more

Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.

About Ursa Major

Browse more roles: All Ursa Major jobs, engineering jobs on Recrutus.

Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems

Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems

About Ursa Major

About the Role

How to Apply

Equal Opportunity

Work location

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Nice to Have

Benefits & Perks

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Skills, education and keywords

Frequently asked questions about Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems at Ursa Major

About Ursa Major

Skills Required