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Staff Design Engineer, Solid Rocket Motor Nozzles Verified today

Ursa Major · Berthoud, CO · Propulsion · first seen 2026-09-04
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Role Overview

Ursa Major seeks a Staff Nozzle Design Engineer to lead mechanical design, kinematic analysis, integration, and testing of advanced vectoring nozzle assemblies for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) applications. You will act as the technical lead for complex TVC mechanisms, managing everything from internal aerodynamic throat profiles and structural components to electromechanical actuation loops.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Architect and design advanced moveable nozzle configurations for SRMs, applying expertise in flexseal (flexible bearing), trapped ball, and split-line structural joints.
  • Lead selection, integration, and structural mounting of high-performance Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) and feedback sensors, specifically Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) and string pots.
  • Perform kinematic, clearance, vectoring envelope analyses, and duty cycle modeling. Optimize structural components (housing, exit cones, throat supports) for high-pressure, high-thermal, and dynamic structural environments.
  • Select and specify advanced materials for high-temperature environments, including carbon-phenolics, refractory metals, structural composites, and elastomeric compounds for flexible joints.
  • Author and execute test plans for TVC subsystems. Lead bench-level actuation and acceptance testing, structural proof tests, and vectoring profiles during rocket motor static tests.
  • Manage technical requirements with EMA/LVDT sub-tier suppliers. Present design maturity, risk assessments, and test data at major milestones (PDR, CDR, MRR) to leadership and military stakeholders.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM discipline.
  • Minimum 7+ years of experience in rocket propulsion design, with at least 4 years dedicated specifically to moveable nozzle or TVC system design.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing at least two of the following: flexseal/flexible bearings, trapped ball joints, or split-line nozzle architectures.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active DoD Secret or Top Secret Clearance.
  • Direct experience correlating flight/test telemetry data with pre-test kinematic and structural models.
  • Strong familiarity with TVC nozzle bench testing, non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods for carbon-phenolic layups and elastomeric flexible bearings.
  • Proficiency with advanced CAD tools (e.g., Creo, NX) and finite element analysis (FEA) software for thermal-structural coupled analysis (e.g., ANSYS).

Compensation and Employment

Base compensation range: $143,360 - $179,200, determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Full-time Exempt position.

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
  • Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport options
  • EAP Program
  • 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match