Senior Structural Analyst

Employer description

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 Senior 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 

• 6+ 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 $116,000 - $145,000, 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 Lo...