Senior Thermal Ablation Analyst
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 Thermal/Ablation Analyst, you will be responsible for performing high-fidelity thermal analyses to ensure the performance and reliability of our products. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to support development, qualification, and production programs.
- Conduct thermal modeling and analysis for components and systems under extreme operating conditions.
- Perform transient and steady-state thermal analyses to evaluate heat transfer, thermal gradients, and material response.
- Develop and validate analytical models using industry-standard software (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ITRAC).
- Assess insulation performance, ablative material behavior, and thermal protection system effectiveness utilizing analytical tools and hands-on inspection methods.
- Correlate analytical predictions with test data and refine models accordingly.
- Work with design and manufacturing teams to optimize thermal performance and ensure feasibility.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 4+ years of experience in thermal analysis of aerospace components.
- Note: Ursa Major is considering candidates for this position at multiple levels. Based on your experience, we may be able to adjust the level of the role along with the associated compensation range accordingly.
- Proficiency in finite element and computational thermal analysis tools.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermal expansion, and high-temperature material behavior.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
- Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Experience with CFD, FEA, or other multidisciplinary analysis
- Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or high-temperature materials.
- Knowledge of ablative materials, insulation systems, and thermal protection systems.
- Hands-on experience with testing and data correlation.
- Experience testing and evaluating materials for use in engineering applications
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $128,000 - $160,000, 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
- 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
- Equity Grants in the Company
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.
- How much does the Senior Thermal Ablation Analyst at Ursa Major pay?
- The posting lists a range of $128K–$160K per year. Ranges reflect what Ursa Major publicly declared on the source posting.
- Where is this Senior Thermal Ablation Analyst role based?
- The role is based in Berthoud, Colorado.
- What experience does Ursa Major expect for this role?
- The posting is tagged as a senior-level role, typically 5+ years of experience. Check the requirements section for specifics.
- Where is Ursa Major headquartered?
- Ursa Major is headquartered in Berthoud, USA.
- How was this posting sourced?
- This role was pulled directly from Ursa Major's Greenhouse careers site. Apply links open in the employer's own ATS — no reposts or aggregator middleware.
Apply links open in the employer's official ATS. Always verify recruitment messages on the company's careers page before sharing personal information.