Principal Engineer, Propulsion Systems

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. 

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 $170,000 - $215,000, 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. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt.