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Senior Systems Engineer Verified today

Ursa Major · Berthoud, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03
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Senior Systems Engineer

Ursa Major is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer within the SMS Systems and Mission Team to drive safety, reliability, and risk management solutions for our propulsion systems. This role is responsible for the safe design and operation of our fielded rocket motors to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and safety.

You will work cross-functionally with systems engineering, mission operations, design, test, manufacturing, and program teams to develop robust product safety strategies and ensure successful mission execution. You will own the relationship between Ursa Major and DoD Safety Review Boards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement mission assurance processes to ensure product reliability, safety, and performance
  • Own the Ursa Major relationship with branch-specific Weapon Safety Boards and assist with authoring and presenting motor qualification plans and test reports for WSESRB, JSWRB, etc. approval
  • Own technical inputs to Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) and Final Hazard Classification (FHC) planning, execution and approval for motor shipments and fielding
  • Establish and maintain best practices for risk register management across different programs and products; present both internally and externally as required
  • Work with design and product teams to find creative and efficient solutions to engineering challenges that ultimately reduce product risk; develop system safety requirements for product design
  • Perform system-level failure assessments (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Hazard Analysis (FHA), etc.) to inform system design and risk tracking
  • Establish plans for end-to-end product lifecycle, including but not limited to any required handling restrictions, demilitarization, and disposal
  • Assist with flight test range safe execution planning
  • Lead failure investigations
  • Perform reliability assessments for motor products

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related field
  • 4+ years of experience in system safety, mission assurance, or systems engineering
  • Experience with solid rocket motors, ignition systems, propulsion systems, launch vehicles, or defense aerospace programs
  • Experience with risk analysis methods (FMEA, FHA, probabilistic risk assessment)
  • Familiarity with aerospace industry standards (MIL-STD-882, etc.)
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams, interfacing with internal and external customers
  • Demonstrated ability to break down complex problems, strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment