Systems Engineer
US$156,000 – US$195,000 / yr base salary
Posted 14 Oct 2026
Advertised as “Staff Systems Engineer – Safety & Reliability”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 8+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$156,000 – US$195,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyAerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Study levelMaster'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 is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer within the SMS Systems Engineering Team to creatively drive safety, reliability, and risk management solutions for our propulsion systems. This role is responsible for the safe design and operation of our 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 also own the relationship between Ursa Major and DoD Safety Review Boards.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and implement mission assurance processes to ensure product reliability, safety, and performance
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Own the Ursa Major relationship with branch specific Weapon Safety Boards and assist with authoring & presenting motor qualification plans & test reports for WSESRB, JSWRB, etc. approval
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Own technical inputs to Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) & Final Hazard Classification (FHC) planning, execution and approval for motor shipments and fielding
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Establish and maintain best practices for risk register management across different programs and products; present both internally and externally as required
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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
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Perform system-level failure assessments (Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Hazard Analysis (FHA), etc.) to inform system design and risk tracking
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Establish plans for end-to-end product lifecycle, including but not limited to any required handling restrictions, demilitarization, and disposal
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Assist with flight test range safe execution planning
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Lead failure investigations
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Perform reliability assessments for motor products
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Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related field