Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Missile and Interceptor

## 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. ## Role Overview Ursa Major is seeking a Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Missile & Interceptor to serve as the technical authority and architectural owner for the Draper Engine Hypersonic program.

This individual will be accountable for the end-to-end vehicle technical baseline, ensuring the successful integration of propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, thermal, and mission systems into a flight-worthy, scalable vehicle solution.

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle - from requirements definition and trade studies through design, integration, test, and flight operations - while partnering closely with Program Management, Manufacturing, Mission Assurance, and Business Development.

This role is critical to delivering reliable, high-performance systems to government and commercial customers on aggressive schedules. ## Technical Authority & Architecture - Own and maintain the vehicle system architecture, technical baseline, and configuration for the Draper Engine Vehicle. - Serve as the final technical decision authority for vehicle-level design trades, requirements allocation, and risk acceptance. - Ensure propulsion (Draper engine) is fully integrated into the vehicle system with appropriate margins, interfaces, and operational envelopes. ## Systems Engineering & Integration - Lead vehicle-level systems engineering, including requirements flow-down, interface control, verification & validation (V&V), and configuration management. - Oversee cross-disciplinary integration across: - Propulsion - Structures & airframe - GNC - Avionics & software - Thermal & TPS - Mission & flight systems - Chair technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR. ## Program Execution Support - Partner with Program Management to balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk. - Support proposal efforts, customer technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and design reviews with government and commercial customers. - Identify technical risks early and lead mitigation plans through test, analysis, or design iteration. ## Test, Qualification & Flight Readiness - Define and approve vehicle-level test strategies including ground testing, qualification, and flight test. - Ensure data-driven decisions using analysis, modeling, and test results. - Provide technical sign-off for vehicle readiness and flight authorization. ## Team Leadership & Mentorship - Provide technical leadership and mentorship to subsystem leads and senior engineers. - Foster a culture of engineering rigor, accountability, and rapid execution. - Help scale engineering processes and standards as programs mature. ## Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s or PhD strongly preferred). - 12+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle development, including system-level ownership. - Prior experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or Vehicle Architect on a flight vehicle or missile system. - Deep understanding of propulsion integration, vehicle dynamics, and system trades. - Demonstrated experience leading vehicles through design reviews, test campaigns, and flight readiness. - Ability to clearly communicate complex technical decisions to executive leadership and customers. - 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 ## Preferred Qualifications - Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field - Experience with hypersonic vehicles, missiles, launch vehicles, or advanced propulsion systems. - Familiarity with thermal, structural, and aero integration challenges in hypersonic regimes - Experience in design and analysis of fluids systems - Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations - Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements - Background working with DoD, DARPA, or classified programs. - Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools. - Experience scaling a vehicle program from prototype to production. - Active or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $185,000 - $250,000, 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.