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Ursa Major · 2 days ago

Senior Test Engineer, Solid Missile Systems

Berthoud, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$108K/yr - $127K/yr

4+ years exp

Ursa Major is a company focused on revolutionizing aerospace and defense propulsion systems. As a Senior Test Engineer on the Solid Rocket Motor team, you will lead the design and execution of test plans, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the development of test infrastructure for scalable testing processes.

AerospaceNational SecuritySatellite CommunicationSpace Travel

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop and execute large-scale, program-critical test plans and readiness reviews, ensuring alignment with company and program objectives

Own and oversee static fire campaigns, including system activation, validation, real-time test operation leadership, and anomaly resolution across multiple test programs

Take ownership of delivering useful, decision-ready test data that enables rapid design iteration and risk reduction

Own test risk assessments and readiness criteria, ensuring safety and technical risks are clearly communicated and escalated with mitigation options when needed

Design and refine scalable test setups, systems, and infrastructure to dynamically support multiple programs ranging from R&D to supporting production-level qualification

Own the end-to-end implementation of new instrumentation, fixtures, and test stand capabilities, delivering step-change gains in test safety, efficiency, accuracy, and fidelity

Lead failure investigations on test stand anomalies, drive root-cause identification, and implement corrective actions

Ensure stringent compliance with safety standards and explosive handling protocols, including assessing and mitigating risks for new test infrastructure and methodologies

Own test range safety analysis for SRM testing, including overpressure, fragmentation and environmental hazard arcs

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) regarding hazardous materials test operations

Lead efforts to enhance safety culture and develop training protocols for new members

Drive collaboration with engineering, program management, and production teams to ensure test systems and data enable successful design iterations, risk buy down, and flight readiness

Own post-test analysis including motor teardown, hardware inspections, instrumentation health assessments, and integration of lessons learned into system upgrades

Mentor junior engineers, training them in test methodology, equipment design, and data analysis to foster technical growth across the team

Contribute to long-term test infrastructure planning, including budgeting, site expansion, and capital improvement projects

Qualification

Rocket testingTest campaign designHazardous systems knowledgeHigh-pressure fluid systems3D CAD softwareSafety complianceMentorshipCross-functional collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering (or related engineering discipline)

4+ Years of professional experience in rocket testing, test operations, or similar fast paced hardware development environments (applicable internships, rocket clubs or lab projects qualify)

Strong working knowledge of hazardous systems (e.g., energetic systems, cryogenics, or high-pressure fluids)

Proven ability to design and lead test campaigns from scratch—emphasizing safety, accuracy, and repeatability

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

This position requires the employee to be eligible for a Secret Clearance

Willingness to work in test facility environments with exposure to loud noises, hazardous materials, and outdoor conditions including hands-on troubleshooting

Able to lift up to 50 lbs and operate hand tools and mechanical equipment as needed

Occasional off-shift or weekend test operations as dictated by campaign schedules, including off-site testing depending on program need

US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred

7+ years experience in propulsion or hardware testing, including structures, explosives, solid rocket motor or high-pressure fluid systems

Extensive experience coordinating complex projects, including multi-disciplinary cross-functional test initiatives

Experience designing and troubleshooting high-pressure fluid systems, structural components, instrumentation, and high-speed data acquisition packages and using 3D CAD software (NX, Inventor, CATIA, SolidWorks)

Demonstrated ingenuity in creating and scaling novel test setups under challenging constraints, including high levels of ambiguity and urgency

Active or previously held Secret-level security clearance preferred