The Role Leads safety, reliability, mission assurance, and risk management for aerospace propulsion systems. Develops safety requirements, performs failure and reliability assessments, manages risk registers, supports hazard classification and flight-test safety planning, leads failure investigations, and coordinates with DoD Weapon Safety Review Boards. Collaborates across systems engineering, design, manufacturing, testing, mission operations, and program teams to ensure safe product lifecycle execution and regulatory approval. Summary Generated by Built In 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 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 & presenting motor qualification plans & test reports for WSESRB, JSWRB, etc. approval Own technical inputs to Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) & 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 & 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 Other duties as assigned Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related field 8+ 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) Experience with aerospace industry standards (MIL-STD-882, etc.) Experience working with cross-functional teams, interfacing with internal/external customers Demonstrated ability to break down complex problems, strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment This position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance Desired Experience Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification Hands-on experience with testing and validation of high-performance hardware Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $156,000 - $195,000, 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 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. Read Full Description Skills Required Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field 8+ 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 FMEA, FHA, and probabilistic risk assessment Experience with aerospace industry standards such as

MIL-STD-882

Experience working with cross-functional teams and interfacing with internal and external customers Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance U.S. Person status, including U.S. citizenship or permanent residency Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification Hands-on experience testing and validating high-performance hardware What the Team is Saying Chaka Master Propulsion Technician "I usually compare working here to having a group of friends and we're all helping to restore a classic car in one of our buddies' garages.......except it's a freakin' rocket engine!" Chaka Master Propulsion Technician "I usually compare working here to having a group of friends and we're all helping to restore a classic car in one of our buddies' garages.......except it's a freakin' rocket engine!" Connor Manufacturing Quality Engineer I spend every day working on one of the most important problems that we face as a society: creating reliable and affordable methods of getting to space. I am also surrounded by the most amazing, passionate, and interesting people that I've ever met. Maggie Systems Engineer Career growth on my team is multi-faceted. The leadership and your team members at Ursa Major help you to grow your technical skills and ensure that you are constantly growing your soft skills. Ursa Major cares about what interests you and what future opportunities you are working towards and helps you get there! I look forward to going to work every day at Ursa Major to solve problems with my team members, grow as an individual and employee, and have fun building rocket engines! Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is broad, combining unlimited PTO with two company‑wide shutdown weeks in July and at year‑end that help ensure employees disconnect. Healthcare Strength — Core coverage appears comprehensive, with medical, dental, and vision plus HSA/FSA, employer‑paid disability, life, AD&D, and EAP; some listings also cite optional add‑ons such as pet insurance. Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave is highlighted across official and third‑party materials as a notable strength. Learn more about Ursa Major's Compensation & Benefits → Ursa Major Insights What's It Like to Work at Ursa Major? Ursa Major Culture & Values Ursa Major Career Growth & Development What's the Work-Life Balance Like at Ursa Major? Ursa Major Leadership & Management Ursa Major Company Growth, Stability & Outlook View all jobs at Ursa Major View Ursa Major Profile Report Job