Senior Materials Engineer (Thermal Protection 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. 

Ursa Major is currently hiring for a Senior Materials Engineer (TPS) to enhance and support the creation of next generation thermal protection systems in solid rocket motors. Aerospace systems experience corrosive combustion, high temperatures and pressures, and intense mechanical stress. Material selection for each components strength, chemical compatibility, and bonding capability is absolutely essential to withstand the extreme environment. An experienced materials engineer is needed to design and conduct simulated experiments, as well as, analyze used system components to provide feedback to system design teams.

This individual is required to collect, document, and analyze materials data to provide current and next generation system solutions. Collaboration across interdisciplinary teams is a must to make full use of the data obtained. Compliance with safety standards must also be upheld by any individual. Rigorous standard operating procedures and safety compliance must be followed as a basis for any and all experimentation.

Key Qualifications:

• BS in materials engineering and ~5 years' experience/ preferred master's degree.
• Knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, metallurgy or relatable discipline.
• Comfortable in a laboratory setting, running laboratory equipment.
• Previous experience with elastomeric compounds, ceramic, ablative composite, and graphite materials.
• Comfortable with hazardous materials and materials handling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support material sourcing, selection for the thermal protection system in SRM systems.
• Support, develop, and analyze thermal models for TPS design evaluations based on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles.
• Conduct laboratory scale experiments in a simulated environment to validate materials selection and design.
• Define bonding and mechanical properties for integration of materials into SRM systems.
• Support design development and build configuration through manufacturing validation, for process improvement.
• Drive current fabrication for thermal protection systems and further adapt the technology to drive next generation projects.
• Collaborate with team members of all levels to establish system requirements, accomplish integration goals and manufacturing development.
• Document processes in detail and write work instructions for further development.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $115,000 - $136,000, 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