Principal 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 Principal Materials & Processes Engineer at Ursa Major, you are a recognized technical leader responsible for shaping and advancing materials and processes strategies across major programs. You combine deep technical expertise with broad project and cross-disciplinary influence, acting as the go-to authority for complex materials challenges. Principal Engineers at Ursa Major guide high-impact engineering decisions, set and uphold technical standards, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement across teams. You enable the success of multiple products and initiatives through technical leadership, proactive problem-solving, and by fostering a culture of excellence in everything related to materials and processes. 

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 $160,000 - $190,000, 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