Senior Propulsion Engineer, Tanks

Ursa Major

• $125K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • 5-8+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or vehicle development
  • Expertise with hypersonic or high-performance aerospace vehicles
  • Strong understanding of propulsion system architecture and integration
  • Proficiency in computer-aided design and drafting alongside geometric dimensioning

Responsibilities

  • Lead the technical definition and execution of tank architecture from ideation to qualification
  • Design fluid and mechanical tank systems from scratch
  • Support rapid development and adapt to changing requirements through testing and data analysis
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and reduce variations
  • Assemble and test first article prototypes to ensure design viability
  • Define architecture and requirements for propulsion subsystems in hypersonic vehicles
  • Manage system risks and implement mitigation strategies across design and testing

Benefits

  • Unlimited PTO for vacation, sick leave, personal, and bereavement time
  • Paid parental and adoptive leave
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Tax advantage accounts available (HSA/FSA)
  • Employer-paid short and long-term disability and basic life insurance
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Equity grants as part of employee compensation package
Full Job Description
Ursa Major is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer, Tanks to lead the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems and take ownership of tank architecture from ideation to qualification. The ideal candidate brings deep propulsion experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to drive technical decisions in fast-paced, hardware-centric programs. Key Responsibilities • Complete ownership of tank architecture from ideation to qualification • Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical tank systems • Support rapid development cycles of new designs and changing requirements including testing, data analysis and hands-on hardware work • Collaborate with the manufacturing, analysis, and test teams to optimize performance, meet requirements and reduce part-to-part variation • Assemble and test first article prototypes • Lead propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles • Own trades, performance margins, and integration decisions • Serve as the technical authority for tanks and interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal and mission engineering • 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 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 Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field • 5-8+ 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 • 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 analysis of fluids systems • Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations • Experience with AIAA S-080 or SMC-S-016 Test Requirements • Experience with fluids, structural and thermal analysis using Ansys software • 3+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software • Prior experience serving as a technical lead or subsystem owner Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $125,000 - $150,000, 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 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 • Equity Grants in the Company 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.

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