Propulsion Engineer
US$80,000 – US$100,000 / yr base salary
Posted 11 Aug 2026
Advertised as “Propulsion Engineer, Fluid & Mechanical Systems”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 1+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$80,000 – US$100,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyEngineering
Study levelBachelor's
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.
Ursa Major’s teams move fast and do a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast learning individual who will make immediate contributions to our fluid and mechanical system design efforts as a responsible engineer. This role will be part of the technical organization, responsible for the clean sheet design, development, and validation of a variety of propulsion hardware. Candidates will be expected to have ownership from the initial concept phase to a production-ready design and may need to support multiple engine programs simultaneously.
Responsibilities:
- Clean sheet design of fluid & mechanical engine components including gimbals, actuators, valves, and fluid systems
- Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations
- Work with other engineers at Ursa Major on topics including design of components, system sizing, component testing, and system-level architecture and development for multiple engine programs.
- Derive requirements from top level engine and test objectives
- Write, review, and update work instructions for the assembly of engine components as well as establish appropriate acceptance and qualification tests
- Assemble and test first article prototypes
- Work closely with interfacing teams to ensure successful integration of component designs into the engine system. Support validation and recursive design during engine development.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- Hands-on, rapid mechanical design experience through club, internship, or professional experience
- Strong fluid mechanics understanding and intuition
- Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
- Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements
- Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
- Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting
Desired Experience
- Electro-mechanical and pneumatic valve actuator design experience
- Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis