Senior Test Engineer

The posting, as Ursa Major wrote it

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.

Senior Test Engineer, Solid Missile Systems
Location: Galeton & Berthoud, Colorado

Ursa Major develops, manufactures, and tests solid rocket motors for modern defense applications. We are building a high-performance engineering organization focused on designing and operating the ground systems that enable safe, repeatable, and scalable propulsion testing.

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will own the design, integration, build, and lifecycle support of test infrastructure used for propulsion testing. This includes static fire test stands, fluid-mechanical systems, ground support equipment (GSE), and the integrated controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems required to execute tests safely and repeatably.

This is a hands-on role working directly at rocket test sites and in remote field locations, where you will build, assemble, modify, and troubleshoot mechanical, fluid, and controls-based test systems. You’ll collaborate closely with test technicians, propulsion engineers, and operations teams to execute development and qualification test campaigns and resolve system-level issues in real time.

Key Responsibilities

Integrated Test Systems & Infrastructure Ownership

• Design, develop, commission, and sustain scalable propulsion test stands and test infrastructure supporting multiple solid rocket motor programs ranging from early R&D through qualification and production acceptance testing.
• Design and integrate fluid-mechanical systems including high-pressure gas systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and remotely operated ground support equipment.
• Design and maintain industrial electrical and controls systems for propulsion test operations, including low-voltage power distribution, grounding/bonding, interlocks, PLC-based automation, sequencing logic, and facility electrical integration.
• Support instrumentation and data acquisition systems including sensor integration, signal conditioning, calibration strategy, distributed DAQ architecture, data integrity validation, and control room interfaces.
• Lead and oversee static fire campaigns, including system validation, real-time test operation leadership, and anomaly resolution to deliver decision-ready test data

Safety and Operational Excellence

• Own test range safety analysis for SRM testing, including overpressure, fragmentation, and environmental hazard s and exclusion zones .
• Own test risk assessments, ensuring hazards are clearly identified, mitigated, and communicated.
• Serve as a technical resource for hazardous test operations involving high-pressure fluids, energetic systems, and integrated controls systems.

[…]
oise, hazardous materials, outdoor conditions, and hazardous operations.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and operate hand tools and mechanical equipment as needed.
• Ability to support occasional off-shift, weekend, and remote test operations depending on campaign schedules and program needs.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $109,000 - $136,000, 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

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.