Senior Design Engineer, TVC

The posting, as Ursa Major wrote it

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.

Ursa Major’s solid rocket motor (SRM) team is hiring multiple Senior Design Engineers to support the design, development, and qualification of solid rocket motor thrust vector control (TVC) structures and mechanisms. This role has substantial technical responsibility and autonomy, with support from subject matter experts where needed.

You will be a key contributor for SRM TVC design at Ursa Major, developing TVC architectures, leading mechanism and actuation system design, owning key interfaces, and executing TVC test campaigns. You’ll help refine the design methods, standards, and processes that enable scalable, high ‑ rate production of reliable SRM TVC systems.

This isn’t purely a desk job. You’ll be expected to be on the build floor working with technicians, integrating hardware, and resolving build issues in real time. Our engineers work across a variety of programs and roles, so you’ll have the opportunity to contribute beyond your title and take on new challenges as they arise.

What You’ll Do

• Own the design of SRM TVC systems and related components (e.g., flexible joints, gimbal/actuator mechanisms, jet tabs/vanes, liquid/hot ‑ gas injection hardware, mounts, and structural interfaces).
• Translate customer requirements and mission needs into robust, manufacturable TVC designs that meet performance, reliability, cost, and schedule targets.
• Execute design trades across TVC architectures, actuator types, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Help define and allocate TVC design and performance requirements and ensure designs meet flight ‑ control and structural needs.
• Plan and support test campaigns from component-level through full ‑ scale joint actuation tests and integrated static ‑ fire TVC demonstrations to de ‑ risk new concepts and qualify systems.
• Review test data and post ‑ test hardware to verify performance against predictions, identify anomalies, and drive design or process changes.
• Provide hands ‑ on support for prototype assembly and test, including troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and integration issues on the build floor.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with analysis, manufacturing, test, systems, and supply chain teams to ensure nozzle designs meet all stakeholder needs.
• Maintain aggressive but realistic project schedules, identifying key risks early and working with technical leads to implement mitigation plans.
• Generate and review CAD models and engineering drawings in accordance with internal standards and ASME Y14.5 ‑ 2009/2018.
• Maintain clear, organized technical documentation, including requirements, desi

[…]
heavy, fast ‑ iteration programs).

• Experience designing hardware for high ‑ rate, automated production, including DFM/DFA and process automation.
• Experience with Siemens NX (CAD) and Ansys (FEA/structural, motion, or thermal) software packages.
• DoD Secret security clearance or higher.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $105,840 - $132,300, 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

Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)

• 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 - 401k with Company Match

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: 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.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

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.