Chief Engineer, Vehicle
Ursa Major is seeking a Chief Engineer, Vehicle to lead the technical development of the Draper Engine Vehicle program. This role involves overseeing the integration of propulsion, structures, avionics, guidance and control, thermal, and mission systems into a cohesive, flight-ready vehicle. The Chief Engineer will collaborate closely with Program Management, Manufacturing, Mission Assurance, and Business Development to deliver high-performance systems to both government and commercial clients.
Key responsibilities include maintaining the vehicle's system architecture and technical baseline, making final decisions on design trades and risk acceptance, and ensuring proper integration of the Draper engine. The role also encompasses leading systems engineering efforts, overseeing cross-disciplinary integration, chairing technical reviews, and defining test strategies to ensure flight readiness. Additionally, the Chief Engineer will provide mentorship to subsystem leads and senior engineers, fostering a culture of engineering rigor and rapid execution.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a Master's or PhD strongly preferred. A minimum of 12 years of experience in aerospace vehicle development, including system-level ownership, is required. Experience as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or Vehicle Architect on a flight vehicle or missile system is essential. A deep understanding of propulsion integration, vehicle dynamics, and system trades, along with demonstrated experience leading vehicles through design reviews, test campaigns, and flight readiness, is necessary. Strong communication skills and the ability to make sound technical decisions under pressure are also required.
The base compensation for this role ranges from $175,000 to $230,000, determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Benefits include unlimited PTO, paid parental and adoptive leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, tax-advantaged accounts (HSA/FSA), employer-paid short and long-term disability, basic life, AD&D, additional benefit options, an EAP program, a 401(k) plan with company match, and equity grants in the company.
Ursa Major fosters a culture of respect, resilience, and results, offering employees the opportunity to work on projects with national impact. The company emphasizes rapid execution and innovation, providing a dynamic environment for professional growth. Joining Ursa Major means contributing to the future of aerospace and defense alongside a supportive and exceptional team.