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.
The Lead, Technician is a hands-on technical lead responsible for executing fast-paced development and build work while leading a small tactical team of technicians. This role serves as the primary execution owner for assigned development efforts, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to engineering intent.
This position is a working technical lead, combining deep hands-on execution with day-to-day technical leadership. The Lead, Technician drives progress through direct involvement, real-time problem solving, and on-the-floor mentorship in dynamic development environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute development, build, rework, and test activities supporting SMS hardware manufacturing while maintaining strong focus on safety, quality, schedule, and execution.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues in real time while interpreting engineering drawings, procedures, and specifications to ensure accurate execution.
- Adapt quickly to evolving requirements and priorities, proactively communicating progress, risks, blockers, and execution status to leadership.
- Lead and mentor a small team of technicians by providing hands-on instruction, real-time feedback, and technical guidance to maintain momentum and execution quality.
- Drive process and execution improvements by identifying practical enhancements to tools, setups, workflows, and documentation while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, and leadership to align priorities, resolve technical and schedule risks, and support successful program execution.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- 4+ years of hands-on technician experience in development, manufacturing, test, or build operations
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex technical work
- Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding technicians in hands-on settings
- Strong mechanical and/or electromechanical troubleshooting skills
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous development environments
- Clear and effective communication skills, especially under schedule pressure
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting early-stage development, prototype, or rapid-iteration builds
- Experience leading work and directing other technicians in an execution-focused environment
- Background in aerospace, propulsion, or other complex hardware systems
- Familiarity with test operations, rework, and non-standard build activities
Working Conditions
- Primarily based in a manufacturing, development, and test environment with frequent hands-on work involving propulsion hardware, tools, test equipment, and production systems.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) while working around mechanical, electrical, and test operations.
- May require extended hours, shift flexibility, and occasional weekend work to support critical development builds, testing activities, troubleshooting efforts, and program milestones in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $36.45 - $45.60 hourly, 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
- 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
- 4+ years of hands-on technician experience in development, manufacturing, test, or build operations
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex technical work
- Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding technicians in hands-on settings
- Strong mechanical and/or electromechanical troubleshooting skills
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous development environments
- Clear and effective communication skills, especially under schedule pressure
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
- Experience supporting early-stage development, prototype, or rapid-iteration builds
- Experience leading work and directing other technicians in an execution-focused environment
- Background in aerospace, propulsion, or other complex hardware systems
- Familiarity with test operations, rework, and non-standard build activities
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is structured with an unlimited PTO policy plus two companywide paid breaks (mid‑summer and year‑end), creating predictable downtime alongside flexibility. Company holidays and shutdowns are consistently highlighted across employer materials and third‑party profiles.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short‑term disability, with mental‑health resources also noted. These elements appear on the company’s careers page and are echoed by external listings.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave are emphasized, alongside family supports such as an onsite Mother’s Room and company‑sponsored family events. External profiles characterize the parental offering as generous.
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.
