Senior Ground Support Design Engineer
This posting asks for U.S. citizenship.
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.
Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.
Ursa Major’s team moves fast and does a lot with little. GSE Design Engineer is an engineer who has a strong work ethic, solid mechanical understanding, and a desire to learn and be a part of a fast moving and high performing team to build and operate industry leading rocket engine test facilities. We expect these engineers to be self-starters with a passion for system design, implementation, and operation. Hands-on experience is required.
Responsibilities
- Design and operate fluid and mechanical test systems to support rocket engine component checkouts and engine testing Fluids include kerosene, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen at high pressures and cryogenic temperatures
- Technical Drive, evaluate, and communicate requirements from engine and component teams
- Generation of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) and overall system level documentation Generation of work instructions for installation and maintenance of fluid and mechanical systems
- Source required components for these systems
- Generation of CAD models and drawings
- Perform system analysis including: Fluid flow analysis with hand calculation, spreadsheet, and computer codes
- Piping flexibility analysis and structural analysis using FEA
- Collaborate to ensure instrumentation requirements are tracked and implemented
- Manage projects to ensure objectives and milestones are completed and tracking to required deadlines or communicated otherwise
- Document and present designs through the full design review process
- Evaluation of data to ensure proper operation of fluid and mechanical systems
Required Qualifications
- BS degree or higher in an engineering field (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred)
- 4+ years of experience with piping, facility, or test system design
- US citizenship required
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
- Experience in hands on hardware build and troubleshooting
- Ability to interact in high paced and rapidly changing test environment
- Ability to evaluate and assess risk positions and provide recommended path forwards
- Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for long periods, working on ladders, kneeling, crouching, working in tight spaces, lifting objects (up to 25 lbs.)
Desired Experiences
- GD&T and CAD experience (Solid Works, PTC Creo, Siemens NX, or similar)
- Familiarity with piping design software (Caesar II, Bentley AutoPipe, CaePipe)
- Familiarity with FEA software (ANSYS preferred)
- Experience with ASME piping codes and common tube and pipe connections
- Familiar with National Fire Protection Association, International Fire Code, International Building Code, and other related regulations
- Experience performing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), System Safety and Hazards Analysis
Benefits Include
- Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
- Paid maternity/paternity/adoptive leave
- Medical, dental and vision insurance; STD; Life and AD&D
- Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Company stock options
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $112,000 - $140,000, 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 30 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 7 questions (1 written).
- 1.Are you a US Citizen?Yes or no
- 2.If you are not a US Citizen, are you a Permanent Resident?Yes or no · optional
- 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.Why are you interested in working for Ursa Major?Written answer
- 5.Salary Expectations?Short answer
- 6.Are you comfortable working on programs directly related to US military applications?Yes or no
- 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.
Experienced in Mechanical, Structures & Thermal?
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