Flight Test Engineer

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.

We’re seeking a talented, fast-learning individual to join our team as a Flight Test Engineer, playing a pivotal role in advancing Ursa Major’s mission and supporting both internal and customer-driven flight campaigns. This role is essential in ensuring success from product delivery and contract execution through to the final stages of flight operations.

As a Flight Test Engineer, you’ll serve as the on-site technical authority regarding Ursa Major’s hypersonic products, supporting system integration, operations, testing, and flight for customer programs, while also contributing to the development and execution of Ursa Major's own flight initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technology, solve complex challenges, and act as a key liaison between customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities:

Support integration, checkouts, and static fire testing of hypersonic vehicles and propulsion

Ensure Test-Like-You-Fly practices during ground operations at our Berthoud campus

Author and execute procedures for checkouts, propellant load, and hotfire operations

Support the ground and flight operations of Ursa Major’s missions

Participate in data review, failure investigations, and sequence preparation for static fire testing and flight

Coordinate with test ranges and external agencies to plan and execute flight test campaigns

Lead customer status updates and milestone reviews for both programmatic and technical content

Present and provide technical review in customer meetings and integration reviews

Become a subject matter expert on Ursa Major’s hypersonic vehicle and propulsion systems

Travel to customer sites to lead product integration, support checkouts, and assist in test and flight campaigns

Conduct system data review to support fast-paced customer test campaigns

Troubleshoot system and component hardware issues in the field, develop solutions with the Ursa team and customer, and lead implementation

Identify and implement product improvements focused on customer needs, risk reduction, and end-use

Required Qualifications:

B.S. in Engineering

5+ years of relevant experience

Passion for developing customer relationships and ensuring mission success

Attention to detail, curiosity, and relentless in resolving problems

Hands-on experience with aerospace hardware

Comfortable working in fast-paced, startup environment

Willing to spend 30% of the year on travel for multi-week test and flight campaigns

Desired Experience:

Master's degree in Engineering

Technical expertise in liquid rocket engine manufacturing, integration, or test

Technical expertise in vehicle stage systems and propulsion fluid systems

Flight or test operational experience

Strong understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements

Experience in systems engineering and requirements verification

Experience in a mission assurance role

Demonstrated leadership in a customer-facing role

Experience working with range requirements for flight test campaigns

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $110,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you and see if you are a great fit for our team. 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

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.