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Quality

Senior Systems Safety Engineer - Radiation Safety Officer

Ursa Major logoUrsa Major$115,000–$143,000/yrBerthoud, Colorado, United StatesFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior System Safety Engineer to join Ursa Major, a leading aerospace company focused on cutting-edge propulsion systems. As a Senior System Safety Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring that our rocket engines and propulsion systems meet stringent safety and reliability standards.

Your responsibilities will include

  • Analyzing engineering hardware, mechanical and electrical schematics for fault tolerance, latent hazards, and compliance with safety requirements.
  • Maintaining and evolving Ursa Explosive Safety Management Program (ESMP)
  • Reviewing system test procedures, operational protocols, and maintenance procedures to ensure the implementation of appropriate safety controls.
  • Collaborating across all engineering teams to mitigate hazards and ensure safety measures are embedded throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Coordinating with program management and external regulatory bodies from program initiation through production, operations, and decommissioning.
  • Oversee Ursa Major Radiation Protection Program using ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
  • Coordinating obtaining explosives shipping approval through the DoD (IHC/FHC) and DOT (EX authorization)

Additional Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct System Safety Program or Design safety assessments.
  • Lead safety initiatives for large-scale propulsion system safety programs or multiple mid-sized safety projects.
  • Monitor the technical execution of safety requirements throughout the program.
  • Act as a key interface with stakeholders including customers, regulatory authorities, subcontractors, and vendors.
  • Prepare and present Safety Assessment Reports and Program Safety Briefs for both internal and external review.
  • Lead safety discussions in technical reviews, ensuring alignment with the approval process.
  • Participate and contribute to Safety Review Board
  • Interpret and implement system requirements based on customer specifications and aerospace industry safety standards.
  • Generate reports that document various safety analyses and system safety program findings.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of product architecture, system integration, and design.
  • Maintain radiation generating device licenses with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Education : Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant Systems Engineering or Safety Engineering experience. A Master’s or advanced degree may reduce the years of required experience.
  • Experience : Prior experience in System Safety Engineering, Systems Engineering, Explosive Safety, Software/Firmware Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other Safety Engineering disciplines.
  • Clearance : Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government-issued security clearance.
  • This is an on-site position splitting time between our facilities in Berthoud, Colorado and Galeton, Colorado .
  • This role will occasionally require supporting an overnight shift (about once per quarter, on average).

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience in propulsion systems, aerospace systems, or other high-performance engineering systems.
  • Knowledge of aerospace safety programs and experience with standards from organizations such as NASA, FAA, or DoD.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with a proven ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • 40 hour Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Training
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing safety programs and directing teams of safety professionals.
  • Experience with project management tools like Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and familiarity with proposal development processes.
  • Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $115,000 - $143,000, 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

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.

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.

Copied from the listing Ursa Major published, verified 29 Oct 2026.

The application

Your details and CV, then 7 questions (1 written).

Have readyCVCover letter (optional)LinkedIn (optional)Website (optional)
  1. 1.
    Are you a US Citizen?Yes or no
  2. 2.
    If you are not a US Citizen, are you a Permanent Resident?Yes or no · optional
  3. 3.
    If you are neither a US Citizen nor a Permanent Resident, have you been granted Refugee or Asylum status by the US Government?Yes or no · optional
  4. 4.
    Why are you interested in working for Ursa Major?Written answer
  5. 5.
    Salary Expectations?Short answer
  6. 6.
    Are you comfortable working on programs directly related to US military applications?Yes or no
  7. 7.
    Are you able to work onsite at our Berthoud, Colorado office?Yes or no

Taken from the application form Ursa Major runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.

About Ursa Major

American-built propulsion: liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors.

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