Senior Test Engineer

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 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. 

Required Qualifications 

• 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 $109000 - $136000 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

What We Do

Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space hypersonic applications and missile systems. Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills knowing that there is always room for growth.

Why Work With Us

We believe that each unique team member fuels the creativity necessary to build the world’s best propulsion systems. This is realized as a deeply held commitment to celebrating individuality hiring talent across all backgrounds and experiences building a culture of inclusion and constantly challenging ourselves to improve.

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