Staff Materials Engineer

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

As a Staff Materials & Processes Engineer at Ursa Major, you will leverage extensive experience to address complex materials and process challenges. This role involves leading strategic initiatives, optimizing processes, and ensuring materials meet rigorous aerospace standards.

Responsibilities:  

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on materials selection and processes for critical aerospace propulsion applications.
• Lead complex material and process development projects, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the development, review, and approval of material and process specifications, ensuring alignment with design and aerospace industry standards.
• Optimize existing processes and conduct trades for in-house development versus outsourcing (e.g., additive manufacturing, brazing, machining, joining, etc.).
• Conduct high-level materials failure investigations, own material-related branches of root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
• Define the technology roadmap for materials, advancing aerospace materials and manufacturing strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality, to solve technical challenges across the product lifecycle.
• Mentor and coach senior and junior engineers to ensure the effective application of materials and processes best practices.

Required Qualifications:   

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 8+ years of professional experience in aerospace or materials engineering roles. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and extensive relevant experience will also be considered.
• Expertise in metallic materials (e.g., stainless steels, nickel, titanium, aluminum alloys) and advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, casting, forging, brazing, or welding).
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and material failure investigations in production environments.
• Proficiency in material testing methods, aerospace materials standards (ASTM, AMS), and quality systems (AS9100 or NADCAP).
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities, including prioritizing and executing in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, communicate effectively, and make data-driven decisions to support business objectives.

Preferred Experience:

• Propulsion systems experience, with a focus on materials for high-temperature or high-stress environments.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing techniques, such as laser powder bed fusion, and process qualification.
• Expertise in joining methods, such as TIG welding, EB welding, and brazing.
• Experience establishing allowables and qualification frameworks for aerospace materials, including additive metals.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with metallography, material characterization tools, and advanced testing equipment.
• Previous involvement with creating or expanding materials labs or bringing new testing/characterization capabilities online.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $120,000 - $150,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

Classification: Full-time Exempt