2027 Summer Propulsion Engineer, Hypersonic Vehicle Intern
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Key details
Why this role is notable
A propulsion startup recruiting interns to help design a hypersonic vehicle signals that venture-backed defense firms are moving from components into building complete high-speed weapons and systems for national security customers.
Job 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.
Ursa Major is seeking a Summer 2026 intern to contribute to the design, analysis, integration and test of a hypersonic vehicle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and development of hypersonic structures, liquid propulsion systems and propellant management devices.
- Design and development of tooling, fixtures and ground-support equipment.
- Structural and fluids analysis on components.
- Development of vehicle manufacturing and systems integration workflows.
- Subcomponent development and acceptance tests.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in design and analysis of structures and components.
- Familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN for structural analysis.
- Good proficiency of incompressible and compressible fluid mechanics.
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks).
- Understanding of manufacturing techniques, including composites layup, machining, and additive manufacturing.
- Ability to operate with cross-disciplinary teams and contribute to technical decisions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Exposure to liquid-propellant rocket engines and propulsion systems design such as tanks, valves, runlines.
- Experience with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances.
- Modelind experience with Python or Matlab/Simulink & basic numerical methods.
- Hands-on experience with hardware and design for manufacturing.
- Teamwork experience as part of engineering clubs such as Formula SAE, Rocketry or Hyperloop.
- Genuine passion in the field of aerospace propulsion.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $30.00/hour, 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 Non-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 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
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.
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