Senior Design Engineer, TVC

The role

You will design, develop, and qualify solid rocket motor thrust vector control (TVC) structures and mechanisms. This role involves developing TVC architectures, leading mechanism and actuation system design, and executing test campaigns.

What you will do

• Own the design of SRM TVC systems and related components
• Translate customer requirements into manufacturable TVC designs
• Execute design trades across TVC architectures, actuator types, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Define and allocate TVC design and performance requirements
• Plan and support test campaigns from component-level to integrated static-fire demonstrations
• Review test data and post-test hardware to verify performance
• Provide hands-on support for prototype assembly and test on the build floor
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with analysis, manufacturing, test, systems, and supply chain teams
• Maintain project schedules and implement mitigation plans
• Generate and review CAD models and engineering drawings

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with thrust vector control systems, precision electromechanical mechanisms, rocket propulsion hardware, or closely related flight-control actuation systems
• Experience with SRM TVC design, analysis, and integration into solid rocket motor architectures
• Ability to execute TVC mechanism and actuation system designs, including first-order sizing and kinematics/dynamics analyses
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools
• Strong engineering fundamentals in structural mechanics, dynamics, and actuators
• Familiarity with thermodynamics and fluid dynamics related to SRM performance, nozzle flow, and side-force generation
• Clear, effective written and verbal communication skills
• Eligibility for a U.S. DoD Secret Clearance

Nice to have

• Master’s degree or PhD in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Experience architecting and designing TVC actuation and mechanism systems
• Experience applying formal design criteria and recommended practices for SRM TVC from sources like NASA SP-8114
• Understanding of design for additive manufacturing
• Hands-on involvement in rapid product development environments
• Experience designing hardware for high-rate, automated production, including DFM/DFA and process automation
• Experience with Siemens NX (CAD) and Ansys (FEA/structural, motion, or thermal) software packages
• DoD Secret security clearance or higher
• Exposure to control/servo analysis and aero/jet flow analysis

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

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

About the company

Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion. They design and deliver propulsion and defense systems for national security demands.