2027 Summer Design Engineering Intern

Ursa Major
Berthoud, CO
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with strong technical foundations in mechanical or aerospace engineering working in propulsion and defense systems.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with advanced engineering coursework and a demonstrated ability to apply first principles in design and analysis.
    — “experience with fluids, mechanics of materials, and other advanced classes”
  • Individuals who thrive in small, fast-moving teams and take ownership of engineering tasks.
    — “you will be given ownership and authority, so you can expect to make decisions and make a difference”
  • Those with a strong interest in propulsion systems and a desire to contribute to national security through engineering innovation.
    — “propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands”

Things to consider

  • This role requires on-site presence at a specific Colorado location for the entire duration.
    — “Location: On-site at our Berthoud, CO facility”
  • Candidates must be U.S. persons and eligible for a security clearance.
    — “Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with design > build > test project cycles in your resume and interview responses.
    — “Hands-on build and/or test experience (design > build > test lifecycle of a project)”
  • Showcase your ability to conduct first-principles analysis and structural calculations.
    — “Excellent with first principal analysis with mechanical and/or fluid-based scenarios”
  • Emphasize your CAD software skills and your ability to document and review designs.
    — “Documenting designs and conducting design reviews”
  • Demonstrate your collaborative mindset and communication skills in your application materials.
    — “Demonstrated teamwork and ability to communicate effectively in a group setting”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • support mechanical design and development
  • gain hands-on experience solving engineering problems
Typical background
academic senior or above

Skills & requirements

Required

3D Modeling2D DraftingDesign ReviewsStructural AnalysisAssemblyTest Support

Preferred

CAD Software

Stack & domain

3D Modeling2D DraftingGeometric TolerancingHand CalculationsStructural AnalysisAssemblyStatic Fire Test SupportCAD SoftwareMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringFluidsMechanics Of MaterialsFirst Principal AnalysisBuild And Test ExperienceDesign LifecycleTeamworkCommunicationContinuous ImprovementSelf-starting AttitudeCollaborative Team EnvironmentAerospaceDefensePropulsionRocket MotorEngineering

About the role

Original posting from Ursa Major

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. 

As a Design Engineering intern on a small, fast-moving team, you will support mechanical design, development, manufacturing, test, and production of rocket motor cases and nozzles. You will develop a rich understanding of rocket motor hardware and operation, while gaining hands-on experience solving difficult engineering problems. You will be given ownership and authority, so you can expect to make decisions and make a difference. The most successful candidates will demonstrate a strong work ethic, self-starting attitude, and thrive in a collaborative team environment. This full-time internship will be based out of our Berthod, CO location. 

Responsibilities 

3D modeling & design of inert motor components, tooling, and development hardware 

2D drafting and geometric tolerancing per ASME Y14.5 

Documenting designs and conducting design reviews 

Performing hand calcs and structural analysis via FEA 

Assembly of inert rocket motor components 

Static fire test support 

Requirements 

Background in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering 

Must be an academic senior or above by May 2027 (experience with fluids, mechanics of materials, and other advanced classes) 

Excellent with first principal analysis with mechanical and/or fluid-based scenarios 

Hands-on build and/or test experience (design > build > test lifecycle of a project) 

Demonstrated teamwork and ability to communicate effectively in a group setting 

Drive to continuously improve technical and team skills 

Experience with CAD software is preferred 

Program Details: 

Location: On-site at our Berthoud, CO facility 

Duration: Approximately 10–12 weeks 

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday 

This is a paid internship 

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.

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.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

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.

Source: Ursa Major careers

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