Performs high-fidelity structural, thermal, and pressure-load analysis of solid propellant grains and related aerospace components. Develops and validates FEA models, correlates analyses with test data, supports design and manufacturing decisions, conducts failure investigations, and contributes to structural processes and standards. The role also collaborates across engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams while mentoring analysis engineers and supporting qualification, production, and safety-critical propulsion programs.
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
As a Senior Grain Structural Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural analysis of solid propellant grain and related components to ensure the performance and reliability of our SRM products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs. We are looking for experienced analysts who bring new skills and best practices from their prior experience to Ursa and who in time will mentor employees as the team grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct finite element analysis of propellant grain to determine stress and strain state under structural, thermal and pressure loads
- Perform coupled thermal-stress analyses to assess material response under extreme conditions
- Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry
- Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN)
- Evaluate test data and correlate analytical models with physical testing results
- Work with engineering teams to develop company-wide processes, models, and tools that meet requirements and comply with structural standards
- Collaborate with cross-functional team to characterize behavior of propellant and insulation (mechanical, aging, thermal cycling, manufacturing variability)
- Work with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and support process optimization
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
- Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Mentor and coach analysis engineers, helping to build organizational capability in structural analysis, multi‑physics analysis, and engineering best practices
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- 4+ years of experience in structural analysis of aerospace components
- Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial codes
- Experience in thermal-structural static analysis
- Understanding of material properties, both linear and non-linear, including elastic, plastic, and hyper-elastic behavior
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment
Preferred Qualifications
- S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable field, ideally focusing on solid mechanics, fracture, or structural dynamics
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, and high-temperature materials
- Knowledge of viscoelastic materials
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation
- Experience in loads development for vehicle and/or motor applications and dynamic analysis experience
- Fracture analysis experience (crack growth/safe-life and assessing for instability via LEFM)
- Low Cycle Fatigue Analysis (LCF, crack initiation predicted by a strain-life approach)
- Experience with the ANSYS FEA suite
- Prior experience working on safety-critical systems in production environments
- A track record of effective oral and written communications to support recommendations
- Experience supporting failure investigations and root-cause analysis
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $122,000 - $152,000, 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.
Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
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.
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