Test Engineer

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 hazards 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.

• Partner closely with EHS to support test safety planning, hazard analysis, risk mitigation, and compliance with applicable safety standards, energetic material handling requirements, and regulatory requirements for test operations and infrastructure.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, facilities, and program teams to enable rapid testing and design iteration, risk reduction, and flight readiness.

• Support long-term standardization test infrastructure planning including facility expansion, capital improvements, operational scalability, and infrastructure modernization efforts across multiple sites., 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., The Senior Flight Test Engineer leads integration and testing of hypersonic vehicles, oversees operations, mentors junior engineers, and liaises with customers. Top Skills: Aerospace SystemsHypersonic TechnologyProject ManagementPropulsionSystems Engineering Ursa Major

Program Manager

11 Hours Ago In-Office Berthoud, CO, USA 112K-140K Annually Mid level 112K-140K Annually Mid level Aerospace * Defense Lead and manage execution of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) programs across the product lifecycle: scheduling, budgets, risk, customer engagement, contract deliverables, and program health reporting. Support proposal development, coordinate technical teams, and ensure on-time delivery while maintaining eligibility for Secret clearance. Top Skills: Earned Value Management (Evm)Microsoft Suite Ursa Major

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering (or related engineering discipline).

• 4+ years of experience in propulsion testing, aerospace systems, manufacturing, energy systems, heavy industry, or other hazardous hardware development environments.

• Demonstrated track record designing, integrating, commissioning, or operating test stands, ground support equipment, or integrated test systems for hazardous or high-energy hardware applications.

• Experience with PLC-based automation systems, National Instruments DAQ systems, and 3D CAD software such as NX, Inventor, CATIA, or SolidWorks.

• Strong working knowledge of hazardous systems including energetic systems, cryogenics, high-pressure gases, or industrial electrical systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex test campaigns emphasizing safety, reliability, operational execution, and data quality.

• Ability to obtain explosive permits from the ATF and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical leadership defining, scaling, or standardizing integrated propulsion test infrastructure across multiple programs, facilities, or development campaigns.

• Experience with Siemens PLC platforms, industrial automation, distributed controls systems, and integrated controls architectures.

• Extensive experience designing, commissioning, or operating static fire test stands, blast-resistant systems, hazardous ground support equipment, or large-scale test infrastructure.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Hands-on work in austere and remote propulsion test environments with exposure to loud noise, 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
• Equity Grants in the Company, In-Office Berthoud, CO, USA 112K-140K Annually Senior level 112K-140K Annually Senior level Aerospace * Defense Perform high-fidelity CFD and 1D steady-state/transient fluid modeling for solid rocket motor systems. Support design, testing, and qualification by analyzing data, correlating models with tests, driving design improvements, participating in reviews and failure investigations, and mentoring peers while producing technical reports and documentation. Top Skills: 1D Lumped-Parameter ModelingAnsys CfxAnsys FeaAnsys FluentCfdMatlabNx (3D Cad)PythonStarccm+

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

• Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
• Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
• Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
• Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
• Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
• Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

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.