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.
Role Overview
As an Embedded Flight Software Intern, you will work alongside software and systems engineers to develop, test, and deploy real-time software for rocket engine controllers and airborne or spaceborne platforms. You will contribute directly to flight-critical code, microcontrollers, communication protocols, and hardware-in-the-loop testing environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Write, test, and maintain high-reliability C/C++ code targeting embedded processors and microcontrollers.
- Implement and debug low-level hardware communication drivers (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet).
- Develop unit tests, integration tests, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation scripts to validate flight software behavior under fault conditions.
- Debug hardware and software integration issues using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, JTAG debuggers, and serial telemetry logs.
- Participate in software design reviews, static code analysis, and technical documentation.
Basic Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Proficiency in C and C++ programming for low-level systems.
- Strong grasp of computer architecture, memory management, pointers, bitwise manipulation, and data structures.
- Familiarity with Unix/Linux development environments and Git version control.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS.
- Practical experience on university project teams (e.g., CubeSat, Rocketry, Formula SAE, or Robotics).
- Experience writing Python scripts for test automation and log parsing.
- Basic knowledge of control systems, avionics architectures, or flight dynamics.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $30.00/hour, 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 Non-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.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in C and C++ programming for low-level systems
- Strong understanding of computer architecture, memory management, pointers, bitwise manipulation, and data structures
- Familiarity with Unix/Linux development environments and Git version control
- Hands-on experience with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS
- Practical experience on university project teams such as CubeSat, Rocketry, Formula SAE, or Robotics
- Experience writing Python scripts for test automation and log parsing
- Basic knowledge of control systems, avionics architectures, or flight dynamics
- Must be a U.S. Person, including U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is broad, combining unlimited PTO with two company‑wide shutdown weeks in July and at year‑end that help ensure employees disconnect.
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Healthcare Strength — Core coverage appears comprehensive, with medical, dental, and vision plus HSA/FSA, employer‑paid disability, life, AD&D, and EAP; some listings also cite optional add‑ons such as pet insurance.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave is highlighted across official and third‑party materials as a notable strength.
Ursa Major Insights
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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Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
