Staff Structural Analyst

  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.   As a Staff Structural Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity structural 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 (FEA) for structural integrity, thermal performance, and dynamic behavior of solid rocket motor components  Perform coupled thermal-stress analyses to assess material response under extreme conditions  Support design iterations by providing data-driven recommendations for component geometry, material selection, and thermal protection systems  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  Collaborate with engineering teams to develop company-wide processes, models, and tools that meet requirements and comply with structural standards  Collaborate with the manufacturing team to assess nonconforming hardware for development and flight components and provide recommended dispositions and repairs  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  8+ 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, thermal expansion, and high-temperature structural 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  M.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 composite materials, insulation, ablative thermal protection systems, and 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 $140,000 - $175,000, 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 Equity Grants in the Company   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.