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 Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to drive the development of flight control systems for a next-generation hypersonic vehicle. This role will be responsible for designing, implementing, and testing GNC algorithms and ensuring vehicle stability, precision targeting, and autonomous navigation in extreme flight environments. The ideal candidate has a deep background in hypersonic flight dynamics, adaptive control, and sensor fusion.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development of GNC architectures and algorithms for a hypersonic vehicle.
Design and implement guidance strategies for trajectory shaping, precision targeting, and mission objectives.
Develop flight control laws to ensure vehicle stability and robustness under high-speed, high-temperature conditions.
Design and integrate navigation algorithms, including sensor fusion for GPS, inertial, and alternative navigation techniques.
Conduct high-fidelity simulations and Monte Carlo analyses to validate system performance.
Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight test campaigns.
Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and software teams to optimize vehicle performance.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the GNC team.
Interface with government and commercial customers to align technical requirements and program execution.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in GNC development for high-speed aerospace vehicles, missiles, or spacecraft.
Expertise in flight dynamics, adaptive control systems, and state estimation techniques.
Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, C++, or Python for algorithm development and simulation.
Experience with navigation sensors (IMU, GPS, star trackers) and sensor fusion techniques.
Strong understanding of hypersonic aerodynamics and reentry physics.
Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with hypersonic vehicle development and flight testing.
Background in machine learning applications for adaptive control and autonomy.
Familiarity with DoD hypersonic programs and defense industry standards.
Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and embedded systems.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $140,000- $180,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
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.

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.

US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.

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.

Senior GNC Engineer

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