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.
Position Overview:
We are looking for a skilled and research and development engineer to support analysis of solid rocket motor production materials. The ideal candidate will have previous experience with building experimental hardware and test matrix, experience with technical lab equipment, as well as a strong commitment to safety and quality. This role involves assisting in the setup, operation, and maintenance of equipment designated for lab scale experimentation transitioning to manufacturing environments. Room for expansion and growth into other areas is possible.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work cohesively with the solid rocket motor propellant development and analysis team to install, upkeep, and manage experimental and analytical hardware/ instrumentation.
- Assist in building hardware and data acquisition for new experiments.
- Assist in establishing experimental procedures and conduct experiments to collect quality data.
- Participate in analysis and results discussions/meetings. Assist in presenting relevant anomalies or issues and that may impact development efforts.
- Maintain detailed laboratory notation, adhere to analytical data management and governance best practices
Safety Compliance:
- Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures including proper handling of documents, explosive and hazardous materials, and laboratory housekeeping.
- Participate in safety briefings and training sessions to stay updated on best practices and safety regulations.
- Report any safety hazards or incidents immediately to the laboratory manager and/or Environmental Health and Safety and assist in incident investigations and corrective actions.
Maintenance:
- Assist in routine maintenance and calibration schedules for analytical instrumentation to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Troubleshoot and resolve instrumentation issues, coordinate with vendors or internal teams for more complex issues.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Prepare and maintain detailed records of analytical procedures, metadata, anomalies, and results.
- Prepare analytical characterization reports, including summarizing data and highlighting key findings.
- Ensure compliance with all documentation standards and quality control procedures.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with energetics development and production team, quality, and management to ensure prioritization of key objectives are reporting.
- Assist in building transfer plans and teaching manufacturing
- Communicate effectively with team members; cross-functional and direct, to maintain efficiency and productivity.
Requirements:
- Education: Preferred minimum of 2 year degree related to engineering programs- chemical, mechanical, materials or similar.
- Experience: Preferred minimum of 1-3 years’ related experience in manufacturing environment, working hands on in production, following processes, and following safety-protocols.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with safe engineering practices and systems. Understanding of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials. Ability to read, assess, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Skills: Strong documentation and hygiene practices. The ability to think critically. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and data acquisitions systems. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Other: Ability to work in a high-pace environment with a focus on safety and precision.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and perform physical tasks related to test setups and equipment handling.
- Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures and conditions, including outdoor and controlled test environments.
Work Environment:
- The position involves working in office, test facilities, and laboratories which may include exposure to hazardous materials and conditions. Strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures is mandatory.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $84,080 - $105,100, 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
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
- Two-year degree in chemical, mechanical, materials, or a related engineering program
- One to three years of related experience in a manufacturing environment
- Hands-on production experience following processes and safety protocols
- Familiarity with safe engineering practices and systems
- Understanding of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials
- Ability to read, assess, and follow standard operating procedures
- Strong documentation and laboratory hygiene practices
- Critical-thinking ability
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data acquisition systems
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with safety and precision
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
- Ability to perform physical tasks related to test setups and equipment handling
- Ability to work in varying temperatures and outdoor or controlled test environments
- Must be a U.S. Person, including a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- 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 characterized by unlimited PTO covering vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement, augmented by paid parental/adoptive leave and two company‑wide weeklong breaks. Company materials and third‑party benefits pages consistently highlight this breadth as a standout element.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans plus employer‑paid short‑term disability, life insurance, and AD&D, with EAP and HSA/FSA noted on some postings. External benefits snapshots point to strong perceived coverage quality.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Ownership is offered through stock options/equity grants alongside competitive pay. Third‑party employer listings repeatedly include equity as part of the standard package, signaling broad accessibility.
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.
Gallery
Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
